Salopians are happy and glorious as Platinum Jubilee celebrations kick off in style

Many people seized the opportunity of a long Bank Holiday weekend to pay homage to Her Majesty, and celebrate her 70-year reign.

Among them were the residents of a close-knit community housing complex in Bridgnorth, which celebrated a day early.

People living at Greenfields Court enjoyed live music with singer Paul Wallace entertaining the crowds, and even Norah Batty and Compo from Last of the Summer Wine turning out to join in the fun

Of course there was a royal theme about the whole party, with resident Steve Martin donning a Prince Charles face mask flanked by princesses and union jacks in abundance throughout the celebration.

Housing support officer Julie Painting donned a specially made crochet crown and all the residents enjoyed sandwiches, a cream tea and cakes with flags on top.

Steve said it had taken a while to plan everything for the day but it had come together well.

He said: "We do a lot of social activities here at Greenfields but this occasion was always going to lend itself to a party and it was a great one, with everyone joining in the fun, and the weather staying fine so we could celebrate outside.

"We decided to do the Greenfields resident's party a day early because there will be a lot of events on the Friday and people will still be enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend but it gives them a chance to visit family or friends or just watch the whole thing on television."

In Shifnal, a whole new meaning was given to trooping the colour, as hundreds of fitness fans ran riot at a colour run.

Five-year-old Hugh Thompson ran with mum Lisa, and dad Andrew at Wheatfield Park, and said it was "great fun" getting covered in the paint.

Lisa said: "It's a real community event and it is nice to see so many people here."

Gemma and Philip Lewis ran with their children, six-year-old Jessica and 12-year-old Alfie.

"The last two years have been so difficult for everyone and it is great to be able to do something like this," Gemma said.

Members of Shifnal's Slimming Word and their families were among the fun runners.

"We are just like one big family," Rose Mercantas said.

They included Park Run veteran and one of the oldest taking part in the colour run, 77-year-old Maureen Morgan, who inspired many of them to join in.

One village has prepared a whole weekend of events planned to mark the Jubilee.

A host of groups in Trysull have got together to arrange four days of events, which started with a flag raising ceremony on Thursday – and continued with a best dressed house competition before two major parties on Saturday and Sunday.

Parish councillor Sarah Day said: "It is brilliant we can try and bring people together for a fun and exciting weekend to celebrate the Queen and all that is great about Britain.

"We are all really looking forward to giving people a chance to come out and have some fun, particularly after what has been a very difficult couple of years."

And at one golf club, Jubilee celebrations were in full swing after greenkeepers created a stunning tribute.

Greenkeepers at 3 Hammers Golf Complex in Coven used 7,000 balls recreate the official Jubilee logo on the driving range, and another 2,000 to do the same on the 18th green.

“After the last few years, there’s a real sense of excitement about celebrating the Platinum Jubilee, so we wanted to join in with our own ‘golfy’ tribute,” said greenkeeper Martin Hearn.

IVF "miracle" twins Jack and Francesca Tidmarsh, from Priorslee, Telford, had their Union Jack flags out and balloons at the ready as they celebrated their 12th birthday yesterday.

They spent the day with their school friends partying in the garden ahead of joining family, friends and neighbours on Sunday for a Jubilee picnic in their street. Their parents, Sarah Thompson and Steve Tidmarsh, spent 10 years trying for a baby including seven gruelling cycles of IVF before their happy ending in 2010.