The Queen was greeted by cheers on Friday as she flew into Southend Airport.

Around 200 excited well-wishers gathered at the entrance as Her Majesty made a historic first visit to south Essex.

Some had waited for up to two hours in the cold just to get a glimpse of the Queen and Prince Philip.

The Royal party arrived by helicopter seven minutes behind schedule at 10.22am. A buzz of expectation spread throughout the crowd as the chopper first came into view.

The Queen, wearing an orange coat and matching hat, was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Braybrooke and the Chief Constable of Essex, David Stevens.

She was whisked away in the waiting royal fleet to tour the Customs and Excise building in Victoria Avenue, Southend, as the Duke of Edinburgh separately went to KeyMed in Stock Road.

After this the Royal couple were to tour South East Essex College, before taking a stroll on the seafront to meet crowds of well-wishers.

The Royal party was then due to visit Basildon to open the new glass and steel belltower in the town centre.

Liz Brown, 36, of Downhall Park Way, Rayleigh, said: "It was brilliant to see her. We were all very excited and it was well worth coming down here to get a brief glimpse of the Queen."

She came to the airport with her two children William, three, and Oliver, six months, and her mother Mary Connelly.

Mary, 70, of Essex Gardens, Leigh, said: "We have always loved the Royal Family and wanted to take this chance to come down and see her.

"It has made our day and I think we saw the best bit by coming to the airport. It was very exciting to see the helicopter land."

Meanwhile, around a dozen protesters gathered outside the Odeon in Southend - only to be met by four van loads of police officers. They were surrounded by police as they approached Southend College, and told they could go no further.

In today's Evening Echo - 20-page royal visit souvenir supplement

Royal welcome - the Queen and Prince Philip are greeted at the airport today by dignitaries

(Right) Driven off - the Queen waves to crowds as she leaves Southend Airport this morning

Well-wishers - Madeline Wright and Lyn Davis wait to see Her Majesty

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.