IT was a birthday party fit for a queen when the world's most famous liner celebrated her 36th anniversary in Southampton yesterday.

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 has notched up yet another maritime milestone in her long career that began on May 2, 1969 when she left Southampton for New York on her maiden voyage.

QE2's place in the record books is assured as she has sailed more then 5.3 million miles, equivalent to travelling to the moon and back more than 11 times.

To mark the occasion guests including nine former captains of QE2, television personalities and actors, attended a reception while the liner was alongside the Eastern Docks.

Among the guests were Coronation Street actors Peter Baldwin and Thelma Barlow, who played Derek and Mavis as well as Roy Barraclough who was Alec Gilroy in the television series.

As well as being the setting for a Coronation Street special, QE2 has also been the setting for an episode of the hit TV comedy, Keeping Up Appearances and Judy Cornwall, who played Daisy in the programme was also on the guest list.

Sir Jimmy Savile, who is a regular traveller on the ship also joined in the celebrations.

Captain Ian McNaught, the liner's present master, said: "QE2 is a piece of maritime history.

"There will never be another like her, she is unique and I hope she travels for many years to come.''

Later this year, on September 4, QE2 will become the longest-serving Cunarder when she exceeds the 36 years four months and two days' service of Scythia that sailed from 1921 to 1957.

After the celebration lunch, QE2 left Southampton for a Mediterranean cruise.