A midnight train to London for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 holds a special memory for Evesham community stalwart Jean Dyke.

The 92-year-old was lucky enough to get tickets to attend the celebrations on the Mall with her work colleagues.

Jean, who was then 21, can recall in detail how excited she was to make her first journey to the capital and see Her Majesty look “so beautiful”.

“I was living in Badsey and working for the local council when we were allocated some tickets to go to London for the Coronation,” she said.

“I was four years younger than the Queen and really admired her, so this was a real treat.

“We had to catch the midnight train and walk up to the main road; it would be my first trip to London and I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I was.

“We got to London in the early hours and it wasn’t before long that lots of people were out in the streets and having picnics.

“We could not have our seats until later that day, so we walked the streets to take in the atmosphere – everyone was so happy.”

And while most people speak of the rainy weather on the day; Jean said the buzz of the crowds meant the weather didn’t matter.

“The rain didn’t dull anyone’s spirits. It was great talking to people,” Jean continued.

“We couldn’t believe our luck when we got our seats – they were the perfect view.

“One image that I’ll always remember was Queen Tonga. She was waving and so full of joy.

“The atmosphere was marvellous, and the Queen looked so beautiful and everyone was cheering.

“Looking back, it was one of the happiest times of my life.”

Jean, who now lives at Cavendish Park Care Home, in Evesham, was even invited to Buckingham Palace many years later following her dedication to a club that helped support disabled people.

She continued to run it up until the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jean says that she has decorated her room to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and is excited to spend the day comfortably watching with it on television.

“I’ll have my trinkets on display from the Queen’s Coronation,” Jean said.

“Having been there before it really gives it a different feel to see it on TV.

“I’m one of the lucky ones to have been part of it.

“We’re having a street party at the home on Monday, too.”

Jean added: “I’m really supportive of Charles and Camilla.

“I think they will be brilliant.”