CHILDREN and staff from a nursery in Crewe were thrilled to be invited as guests of The Queen to a party held as part of her 80th birthday celebrations.

The private party was for individuals and businesses representing the Duchy of Lancaster.

Stepping Stones Nursery at Weston was selected to attend to help illustrate part of the wide range of businesses run from Duchy properties.

The event was held in a marquee at Whitewell, Lancashire, with representatives of each business given the opportunity to chat to the Queen and Prince Philip about their products or services.

When it came to Stepping Stones' turn to meet The Queen, three children - Olivia Parsons, four, Anya Bonam, also four, and Ethan O'Neil, three - presented Her Majesty with birthday cards made with the help of all the children back home in Weston.

The lucky children who went to the party had been selected at random from amongst the total nursery intake of well over 200.

They were accompanied by Stepping Stones direct Maria Bradbury, officer manager Joyce Hughes and nursery nurse Sarah Bennion.

The nursery was launched by local residents Maria Bradbury and Sharon Goadby and has been a tenant of the Duchy of Lancaster since it opened three years ago.

Maria explained to the Royal couple how the business had grown in such a short space of time from the initial six staff and five children on the first day to now having 96 children in full day care.

Stepping Stones now employs more than 30 staff.

Maria said: 'I believe the reason we have grown so quickly is two-fold. Firstly we are part of a growing community. Over 400 houses have been built near the nursery in the last five years.

'Secondly, we have a fabulous building which provides a bright, homely environment with acres of hard and soft play area all around it.

'We were absolutely delighted to have been chosen to go to Whitewell. It was an amazing experience.

'The children were fantastic, and for them and their parents I'm sure it was a day they will never forget.'