TOWNS and villages in every corner of The Westmorland Gazette's patch are preparing a joyful celebration of The Queen's official 90th birthday this weekend.

Street parties, cream teas, flower festivals and services of thanksgiving at local churches will see well-wishers toast Her Majesty's milestone on Saturday, June 11, amid a patriotic flurry of red, white and blue flags and bunting.

Meanwhile, at a tiny rural school, royal birthday excitement has already taken hold after pupils received a surprise letter from Buckingham Palace.

Youngsters at Grayrigg CE School were inspired to write to The Queen after a school project about a set of false teeth, dreamed up by early years expert Alistair Bryce-Clegg.

The dentures - known as Granny's Teeth - turned up in a tree at school and the children decided they were Her Majesty's and must be returned in time for her birthday.

Clare Neal, Grayrigg's early years teacher, said the youngsters decided to send a birthday card and letters to The Queen, saying what a wonderful granny she must be. When a 'beautiful letter' of thanks arrived from the palace, Mrs Neal said the children's reaction was "jaw dropping, stunned silence followed by much excitement".

She told the Gazette: "It was so lovely to teach letter writing for a purpose and to receive such a royal reply. In the email/texting times, it was so satisfying to prove the pen is still mightier than the sword!"

The Queen is to celebrate her official birthday with a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral tomorrow (Friday); the Trooping of the Colour on Saturday; and a street party on The Mall on Sunday.

Closer to home, celebrations planned include:

- a party on the yard at Castle Park School, Kendal

- a right royal tea party at Coniston Institute from 11am to 4pm on Saturday; and a Jacob's Join supper at the Wilsons Arms in Torver, from 4pm, also on Saturday, where people are invited to take a sweet or savoury dish

- an afternoon tea and singalong at the Marchesi Centre, Windermere, from 2pm on Saturday (anybody aged 50 and over from Windermere, Bowness and Troutbeck Bridge should call into the office from 9.30am to 12pm for a ticket)

- an indoor street party and Jacob's Join lunch at the Memorial Hall, Selside, on Sunday, followed by songs of praise at St Thomas's Church, 6pm, with cake and a loyal toast to Her Majesty

- a bring-your-own picnic at Broadgate Meadow, Grasmere, from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, with strawberries and cream donated by the Wordsworth Hotel, children's sports, a bar and music from Kendal Concert Band and Grasmere Glee; a fish-and-chip supper dance in Grasmere Village Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday (tickets from Barney's Newsbox); and a service at St Oswald's Church at 4pm on Sunday, to be attended by Claire Hensman, Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria

- a celebratory coffee morning at St Oswald’s Church, Thornton-in-Lonsdale, from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday, with visual display, music and cakes

- a flower festival and royal display at St Paul's Church, Grange-over-Sands, open 10am to 4pm until Thursday, June 16 (closed Wednesday, June 15); a civic service at St Paul's Church at 6pm on Sunday, with patriotic celebrations; and a royal garden party in the rectory garden on Wednesday, June 15, from 2pm to 4pm, with sparkling wine, strawberries and music from South Cumbria Retirement Band (suggested dress in red, white and blue)

Further events include a birthday garden party at Rydal Hall Christian retreat centre, and an all-age songs of praise event at St Mary's Church, Crosthwaite, followed by church picnic.

- Planning your own event? Email your pictures and story to mike.addison@nqnw.co.uk