Thousands of flag-waving well-wishers turned out to welcome the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Southend on Friday.

More than 10,000 school children, office workers and residents lined the Golden Mile to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple.

Southend's mayor Nora Goodman accompanied the Queen during her seafront visit amid cheers from the crowds.

During her first visit to the town, the Queen had toured South East Essex College and the Customs and Excise headquarters.

Prince Philip also visited medical instruments giant, KeyMed to officially open a state-of-the-art optical cleaning room.

Rochford and Southend East MP Sir Teddy Taylor said on Friday: "I really hope she will come back again - I'm sure she will.

"She has certainly got a taste of what Southend is about today - it is a great place to live and work."

The Queen quizzed mayor Nora Goodman about Southend's world-famous pier and asked what was being done to revamp it.

Mrs Goodman said: "We were overjoyed to welcome the Queen and the Duke to our town.

"It has been a very great day for Southend."

Schools from across Southend were given part of the day off so they could watch the Queen's Golden Mile walkabout.

Bron Smith, headteacher of Richmond Junior School in Shoebury, said: "This was a unique chance for pupils to see the Queen.

"We were waiting around for quite a long time, but it was certainly worth it." See stories "Southend says 'Great to see you, Ma'am'", "Ann's royal appointment in Basildon", and "Basildon: Nice to see you again, Sir" for more coverage of the queen's visit in Newsround

20-page Souvenir pull-out in Monday's Evening Echo

The Queen enjoys the warm reception from the crowds at Southend

(Right) Always attentive - the Queen enjoys her tour

(Below right) Well-wishers - Loyal fans line the route

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