THE patriotic strains of Rule Britannia rang out over Oxford’s Barton estate, yesterday, as school children celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Staff and pupils at Bayards Hill Primary School held a special picnic to recognise the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

It included a visit from town crier Tony Legge, children’s entertainment and a lot of cake.

Headteacher Keith Ponsford said: “It was a really fantastic day. The kids enjoyed themselves and learned a lot.

“We crowned our own king and queen, we had singing and dancing performances and the children held a raffle.

“We also sang the National Anthem and Rule Britannia. It was lovely.”

Enjoying the day was 10-year-old Ashleigh Haines, who said: “I really enjoyed it.”

Fellow Year 6 pupil Rosie Cox, 10, said: “It has been really fun. We made hats and flags with the British colours on them.”

Mimi Awad, 11, added: “I liked the town crier. He was very loud and was telling us all about what was going on.”

Pictured, clockwise from top, are Mimi Awad; Ashleigh Haines; and Rosie Cox and Chloe Bailey.

Pictures: OX52135 Ed Nix