Fareham residents had an early opportunity to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee with a weekend of events to commemorate the occasion.

Civic party organisers couldn't wait to string up the bunting in the town centre for the two-day celebration a week in advance of the official bank holiday.

The Jubilee event kicked off with a freedom march by the band of HMS Collingwood, who led the celebrations in front of a packed town centre. Guest of honour Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Mary Fagan also took the salute.

The pomp and splendour of the occasion was mixed with a variety of entertainment along with the official opening of the Jubilee gates performed by Lord Lieutenant and Fareham mayor Pam Bryant.

The wrought-iron gates, that also fold into a sculpture of a crown, cost around £20,000 and were made by a group of Portsmouth-based blacksmiths, who were on hand to witness the official opening at the Portland Building in West Street.

John Duffield, who helped make the gates, said: "This was a really unique job. We make gates all the time but these were really special and a project that we had to modify our workshop for by making a hole in the roof to accommodate the size of them."

The release of 1,000 red, white and blue balloons into the skies signalled the opening of a two-day programme packed full of family fun and street entertainment.

Lord Lieutenant Fagan said: "This is a wonderful occasion to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee year and one that I am happy to be involved with."

Onlooker Sheila Scorey, who was in Fareham to see her son David perform in HMS Collingwood band, said: "This is a terrific way to celebrate. It is wonderful to mark the occasion with a town centre event.

"I think the gates are also a wonderful way to commemorate it."