VISITORS enjoyed a royal-themed tea party at a secondary school to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Harrow High School in Gayton Road, Harrow, invited locals and members of the Old Gaytonians Association to share hot drinks and cakes in the library, which had been decorated with Union Flags and had books about the British monarchy left out for browsing.

The school’s prefects shared news about their exams while serving their guests, some as old as 90, during the get together on Tuesday last week.

Newly-elected head boy, Finn Roberts, said: “I found it humbling to work alongside so many fantastic prefects who rolled up their sleeves, as they do, and made everyone feel welcome. They were the true reason for the day’s success.”

Headteacher Paul Gamble said: “We are here to celebrate the diamond jubilee and this is also the first event hosted by our newly-elected prefects. They are doing a great job today.

“They’ve had the opportunity to speak to people who’ve been around for most of the Queen’s reign and learn how Britain has changed in those 60 years. It’s been a pleasant afternoon all round.”

The school library was chosen as the venue because it was the school hall at the time of the coronation.

Former pupil and member of the Old Gaytonian Association Keith Adamson said: “It is very appropriate that the event should be held in here as I can remember the old headmaster, Dr Simpson, announcing the King’s death here in 1952.

“I’m proud to be here all these years later celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s long reign. Long live The Queen.”