The Queen was this afternoon at the heart of Shropshire’s biggest-ever royal party – as more than 30,000 people said a glorious thank-you for her 60-year reign.

Her Majesty and Prince Philip flew in to RAF Cosford today for the county’s long-awaited Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

And the royal couple even brought the sunshine with them as the rain clouds cleared for the first time in days to help the county celebrate the diamond jubilee in spectacular style.

• Queen in Shropshire visit - LIVE

The Royal visit, to watch a spectacular display featuring up to 5,000 Shropshire schoolchildren celebrating her jubilee, is the biggest event of its kind ever organised in the county.

The Queen smiled broadly as she touched down slightly ahead of schedule at 11.30am, wearing her treasured Flame Lily brooch in honour of its county connections.

The priceless diamond and platinum brooch was made by Cartier jeweller Eric Kippin in 1947, and his son Leslie now lives at Shoothill, near Shrewsbury.

Mr Kippin Senior died aged 86 in 1998 and his son was at Cosford today to see the Queen wearing his finest creation.

“Just to have her wearing the brooch in my dad’s 100th year is better than a 100th year birthday card for me and the family. It’s such an honour,” he said.

Huge crowds strained to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty, who was wearing a bright pink coat and matching hat for the big day.

The coat was in a heavy slub silk and the hat sported an eye-catching floral decoration.

The Royal helicopter was a few minutes early and people who had gathered outside the Cold War Museum were delighted when the Royal couple paused to chat. Inside members of the museum staff gathered under the huge wing of a Victor plane and the Queen was clearly fascinated by the vast display of air machinery at the museum.

Then she headed downstairs to see the story of the Cold War and its ending and to meet other dignitaries from across the county.

• See more pictures from the Queen's visit

Meanwhile the Duke of Edinburgh, looking fit and well, went in the other direction to do his own meeting and greeting.

The royal couple were due to stay for around three hours soaking up the sights and sounds of the best Shropshire has to offer.

That included the pageant itself – a half-a-mile long Reign-bow procession of colour featuring 5,000 children – and a day-long programme of music and dance. Hangars at the base were also packed with exhibits and exhibitors telling the story of the last 60 years in Shropshire.

For the second time during his term as Shropshire’s Lord Lieutenant, Mr Algernon Heber-Percy, was first to greet the royal couple as they stepped from the sparkling super-clean helicopter along with his wife, the Hon Mrs Jane Heber-Percy.

The Queen was last in Shropshire in 2003, a year after her Golden Jubilee when she visited Ironbridge, Telford and Ludlow.

Vice Lord Lieutenant Col Edmund Thewles, his wife Caroline and RAF Cosford Commander, Group Captain Jamie Johnston and wife Judy were also in the welcoming party.

To cheers and flag waving, the smiling Queen and Duke were then driven slowly through the base on the short car journey to the Cold War Museum – opened by their daughter, the Princess Royal and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 2007.

For up to 5,000 excited children from across the county taking part in the half-mile long moving pageant as well as other activities during the day, the chance of a peep at the Queen as well, was an extra thrill.

And in this historic Diamond Jubilee year, certainly something for them to remember for the rest of their lives.

It was one very excited little girl who got that very special job on such visits. As the couple left the museum, little Chloe Willis aged four, was getting ready to present a posy to The Queen. Chloe was supported by mum Sharron who is the Station Commander’s PA.

And so the scene was set for a visit to remember and the chance to show off the very best of our county and the wider region.

A reception to meet and greet was being followed by a VIP lunch.

See also:

• Leader: Honour for Shropshire to host the Queen
• Shropshire welcomes the Queen – Your pictures