A WOOLSTON man has shared his memories of the day the Queen was crowned, in 1953.

Ian Graham was just eight years old when Queen Elizabeth II's coronation was broadcast live to homes across the country.

Ian lived on Chorley Street, in the town centre, at the time, and he remembers 'everything' from coronation day - including the street party that was thrown by his neighbours.

He said: "The parents put each child's name into a hat, and then drew them out to decide which child would play which role - I was lucky enough to play the Duke of Edinburgh.

"It felt like something to be proud of."

Warrington Guardian: Ian was dressed as Prince Philip for the coronation partyIan was dressed as Prince Philip for the coronation party (Image: Ian Graham)

Ian described how all the neighbours on Chorley Street and Scott Street clubbed together to buy buffet food for the event, and the streets were lined with tables.

At the time, not every home had a television set - indeed, many families in Britain bought their first television specifically for the coronation.

Ian said: "My parents were quite well off, and even they didn't have a television!

"If I wanted to watch the telly, I went to next-door-but-one's on a Friday night."

The children on Chorley Street moved 'from house to house' to watch the live broadcast of Her Majesty's coronation - "Lots of the gents went down to the pub afterwards," Ian added.

As times have changed, Ian says he can't imagine there being street parties like there used to be: "When we moved to Woolston there was a street party in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee, but it was nothing like the coronation party.

"It wouldn't be done today.

"Everything's changed, and our culture is completely different now."

Mr Graham paid tribute to Her late Majesty, saying: "It was a feeling of sadness, really.

"She had been there for so long - I'm not a royalist, but she'll be sadly missed.

"She did a lot of good."