Lottie Cowburn is such a star in her neighbourhood that she was first choice to be crowned its community queen.

The 99-year-old is the oldest resident in the Bromley Road area of Bingley and got VIP treatment at its street party.

Her neighbour Pat Slater said: “Lottie is such a gem that she was the perfect choice to be Queen for the day.

“She knows everyone round here and everyone knows her. She was over the moon when we asked her to do the honours. She’s been really excited and we’ve had to find her something red, white and blue to wear for her big occasion.”

Mrs Cowburn, who has two grandsons and lives in Park Road, has lived in the Bingley area throughout the Queen’s 60 year reign – working as a nanny for prominent local families in the area, including the Garnett’s who owned Inghams Mill.

She also ran a grocers, wine and spirits store in Park Road for a number of years.

Mrs Slater added: “Lottie is a big part of our community family. Up until recently she’s been out and about lots with bingo and bus rides, but she had a little fall not so long ago so she hasn’t been out as much.

“The street party will be a bit of a boost for her, she thinks it’s quite something to be queen for the day!”

Mrs Cowburn, who was presented with a bouquet by the party’s youngest guest Poppy Joyce, two, of nearby Plevna Terrace, said: “I have always socialised and loved entertaining, so it’s lovely to be here.”

About 100 guests joined in the street party with many coming from surrounding houses in Wilson Road, Hallbank Drive and Plevna Terrace – even the local Baptist Church helped out by loaning tables and chairs.

Balloon modelling, crown-making and Pin The Tail On The Corgi were just some of the games played, and the street’s resident DJ Anthony Deane was on hand to get the party rocking.

Wellie-wanging, egg-throwing and cake-making competitions challenged the streets’ talents, a fire eater entertained and piano teacher Anne Chapman led the celebration singing, accompanied by festive dancing.

The idea for the street party came at a wake for Alan Laurie, who died of cancer in January after living in Bromley Road for 24 years with his wife, Barbara.

Mrs Laurie said: “The idea had a sad start, but a happy ending. Alan would have appreciated this.”