Diamond Jubilee 2012

Thousands lined the market square in Hitchin this morning hoping to see Her Majesty The Queen. Her visit to the town was her first stop in Hertfordshire as she continues her tour of the country.

The Queen spent time in the market square where she presented the volunteers at the British Schools Museum 'The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service'.

The Queen was then presented with a gift of lavender oil from the people of the town, made from the flowers in local fields.

Many of Hitchin's shops had closed for the day but some remained open with staff standing in the doorways and windows watching the royal visit.

Michelle White, from the nearby town of Shefford, was in the crowds. She said: "I think this is absolutely brilliant."

Another visitor to the town told us: "It was a wonderful day. It was absolutely fine and I love to see The Queen!"

After leaving Hitchin, The Queen went on to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage to officially open the new maternity ward, before heading for a private visit at Hatfield House.

The Queen is in Hertfordshire today (Thurs), to continue her Diamond Jubilee tour. She'll visit Hatfield House, and the Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

Yesterday she enjoyed a jubilee picnic at Burghley House in Lincolnshire, before going on to Corby in Northamptonshire for a display at the Olympic swimming pool.

The Queen has arrived at Corby in Northamptonshire on the next leg of her Jubilee tour. Thousands of people began queuing from early this morning to see her. Earlier today the Queen visited a Jubilee picnic at Burghley Hall near Stamford.

Huge crowds of people have turned out at Corby in Northamptonshire to welcome the Queen. It's Her Majesty's third visit to the town. She first visited the Stewart and Lloyds Steel works in 1961. In 1982 she opened the Queen Elizabeth School and 11 years ago she opened Rockingham Raceway.