MORE than 450 residents and special guests attended a service in Thornbury yesterday to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.

The service at St Mary’s Church was the formal celebration for the whole of Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, with a number of dignitaries from the two counties in attendance.

Also on the guest list for the invite-only event were 90 residents of the county who have reached the landmark age of 90.

Dame Janet Trotter, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire said: “We have not done a service in the south of the county for a number of years of this size.

“It seems right for this special occasion to move away from Gloucester Cathedral for a change, and mark Her Majesty’s birthday on this lovely day in this beautiful church.

“While we have 90 guests today who are over 90-years-old, they all look fantastic for their age and I have had to quiz some on how old they are because they simply look younger than they are!

“I’m sure many of them are already looking forward to being 100!

“It is so good to be able to give the spotlight to this generation. The fact they have achieved so much in their time and manage to have an excellent quality of living, despite the many negative stereotypes of life at that age, is something to be celebrated in itself.”

Reverend Jan van der Lely, St Mary’s vicar who led the service, described it as “an uplifting and inspiring experience.”

She added: “During the service, we had Bishop Christopher Hill preach about service to the community during the event.

“And to tie that theme in with the Queen’s birthday everyone who attended received a souvenir book called 'The Servant Queen' which was featured on last week's Songs of Praise, and is about the Queen's faith and how she has served her people, as Jesus served us.

“There are a number of people we would like to thank, the Rotary Club, Thornbury Castle and Neil Vernon, for helping with parking.

“Our director of music Joachim Schwander, Dursley organist Nigel Davies, and all the members of the choir for their fantastic musical contribution.

“And to South Gloucestershire Council, the St Mary’s churchwardens and sidespeople, and most importantly Dame Janet for their support and efforts throughout the service and in bringing this wonderful service to Thornbury.”

The service will feature in an episode of Songs of Praise which will be broadcast on June 12.