The Queen visits King's Lynn Town Hall on Monday morning. Meeting the wellwishers after her visit.

THERE were cries of “hip hip, hooray” as the Queen arrived in King’s Lynn today to celebrate the start of her 60th year as monarch.

The Queen visits King's Lynn Town Hall on Monday morning.

About 150 members of the public braved the cold to see her arrive, wearing a turquoise, grey and white wool dress, coat and matching hat by Angela Kelly.

She smiled and waved before going inside, where guests paid tribute to her “dedicated and exemplary” service.

Town mayor Colin Sampson told her that “West Norfolk residents are very appreciative of all that your majesty has done to support the area and your majesty has earned a very special place in their hearts.”

Mr Sampson then presented the Queen with a framed copy of the address and she signed the visitors’ book.

The Queen visits King's Lynn Town Hall on Monday morning.

Nine-year-old Rosie Muspratt presented a bouquet of roses as the Queen left the town hall.

The youngster said: “It was very exciting but I wasn’t nervous. I was honoured to do it and she was very nice.”

The crowd gave three cheers as the Queen left the building. One onlooker shouted “God bless you ma’am” as she was driven to her next engagement by Range Rover.

Later, the Queen visited the picturesque but snow-covered village of Dersingham, which is less than a mile from her private Sandringham estate.

The Queen visits King's Lynn Town Hall on Monday morning.

A walkabout planned at the gates of Dersingham Infant and Nursery School was cancelled because of the heavy snow which still laid 5ins deep on the ground.

But a sizeable crowd of local residents had braved the cold conditions to catch a glimpse as she passed.

Inside the school, many classrooms had projects and displays with a royal theme.

In one class a “Royal Laundry” was in full operation with bloomers hanging on a line and more clothes drying below.

Decorated white underpants were stuck to the ceiling - all inspired by the children’s book The Queen’s Knickers, by Nicholas Allan.

Class teacher Carole Crane said: “The Queen came in and said ‘Oh, they’re doing the washing’.

“She did not say a lot but she smiled and seemed to be enjoying herself.”