A NORTHALLERTON care home has celebrated the Queen’s coronation with a red, white and blue-themed party.

Abbeyfield care home, in South Parade held the party over Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2 with party crowns, decorations and coronation chicken, followed by a toast and a screening of the 1953 coronation for residents.

The weekend brought back special memories for one resident, Albert Sykes, who was there at the historic event.

Mr Sykes worked in the National Savings Department and was asked to act as a steward in a stand next to Westminster Abbey, wearing full morning dress.

Mr Sykes had a full view of the procession and particularly remembers Queen Salote of Tonga, smiling through the rain in her open carriage.

Following the service Mr Sykes met his wife and they were able to dash across to The Mall, arriving just in time to see the royal family on the balcony and the RAF flypast.

He said: “It is a day I will never forget.”