THE blast of artillery thundered across York today (Thursday, February 6) as the Army wheeled out some big guns to pay tribute to the Queen.

As the clocks struck midday a 21-gun Royal Salute boomed out across the city – the only official saluting station in England between London and Edinburgh.

Crowds gathered to watch the spectacle in the Museum Gardens as soldiers from 4 Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Alanbrooke Barracks, Topcliffe, deployed in ceremonial uniform.

And with their 105mm light guns carefully lined up in a row a shot was fired every ten seconds to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

Earlier shoppers were entertained by the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band, based in Catterick, as they marched from Duncombe Place, near York Minister, to the saluting point.

After the salute, the soldiers were inspected by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne, accompanied by Brigadier Greville Bibby, Commander of 15 (North East) Brigade and York Garrison.

*The right to be a saluting station was granted to York to commemorate the 1,900th anniversary of the city in 1971.