POMP, tradition and splendour were in abundance in Bolton’s schools as children wished Her Majesty a very happy birthday.

Flags were flying, afternoon tea was served and the National Anthem sung beautifully as Queen Elizabeth II's birthday celebrations got under way yesterday.

A special party was thrown at Clarendon Primary School in Great Lever while children learned about the Queen’s reign.

Children designed an outfit for the Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the different fashions through the decades of her reign.

Vicky Chatterjee, headteacher, said: “The day started with an assembly in which all the children sang the National Anthem.

“They were breath-taking. I told the children I got goosebumps listening to them, they were amazing.”

She added: “The children were served sandwiches and traditional afternoon tea.

“They have been making cards for the Queen, which they want to send to her.

“There has been so much going on and it has been a nice way to celebration British heritage and British values.

"It was an opportunity to reinforce the importance of everything that the Queen does for our country and the commonwealth.

"The children have been extremely excited and really enjoyed learning the National Anthem as well as taking part in other royal activities."

Celebrations also took place in Bolton St Catherine’s Academy in Harwood, with the whole school, from the nursery to sixth form enjoying a party.

Zainab Batool, aged 11, said: "I have really enjoyed today because we had to design and make our very own dress for the Queen to wear."

Uwais Muhammad, aged 11, said: "Today all the class dressed up as people would have done years ago.

"During one of the lessons we designed costumes for the Queen’s birthday and we had afternoon tea in school.

"I really enjoyed it because it was really fun and different."

See theboltonnews.co.uk for more pictures.