The village went back in time to the 1940's as children, parents and teachers from Tritlington First School donned naval uniforms, red lipstick and seamed stockings to recreate the day 60 years ago that the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh tied the knot.

Mums and Dads had scoured eBay for the most stylish 1940s clothes and they didn't disappoint, with a flurry of fur coats and bowler hats turning Hebron church into Westminster Abbey — at least for a morning.

Pupils Gregory Parker and Kristi Wilson were cast as the then Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten and Princess Elizabeth, with Kirsti wearing an exact replica of the Queen's ivory silk wedding gown, made by a crafty parent.

The pair were accompanied by eight bridesmaids, plus Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother, who all arrived in a magnificent vintage coach. They were welcomed to the church by a guard of honour formed by younger children from the school, who held their Union Flags aloft as the wedding party passed by.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York attended, and even the Prime Minister of the time, Clement Attlee, put in an appearance.

But amid all the fun there was a serious note. Head Teacher Liz Donaldson explained: "The children have been studying World War II and as it's the Queen's diamond wedding anniversary on November 20 we thought it would be a good idea to enrich their learning by having a mock ceremony in church.

"We have some very talented people in our school and community and these talents have been put to good use to make this such a momentous occasion."

The Vicar of Mitford and Hebron, the Rev David Mayhew, conducted the service but assured Kirsti and Gregory, the 70 children present and the rest of the church, which was packed with parents and friends, that the marriage wasn't legally binding.

Local Dad, Martin Willcox, was there to watch his daughters Jessica and Maisie. "I was surprised when they first mentioned it, but we've all taken part and all the fathers have dressed up, which is great. The children have talked about little else for a long time!"

MP Alan Beith also turned out to cheer the 'newlyweds'. "It's a wonderful occasion," he said. "I was very much involved with the fight to save Tritlington School a few years ago and now it's thriving."

After the ceremony, everyone went back to the school for the wedding breakfast — including, of course, a slice of wedding cake, again made by a parent as a replica of the original. However, today Tritlington isn't suffering from rationing so there was no need for the Girl Guides of Australia to send the ingredients, as they did back in 1947.