Crowds cheered as she stepped out of her car and greeted Brigadier Ian Inshaw, local councillors Tony Crabbe, Andrew Fulljames and Kieron Mallon, Banbury MP Tony Baldry and his wife Pippa, and town mayor Ann Bonner.

The Queen then made her way inside the town hall to meet Banbury town councillors and examine the town's Charter.

She was followed by her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Cllr Keiron Mallon, leader of Banbury Town Council, said: "Today really showed Banbury in its best light. There's been a lot of organising behind the scenes and today people turned out in their thousands.

"We had three thousand school children alone. High Street and Broad Street was a sea of red, white and blue. Everybody got behind the visit and her Royal Highness seemed genuinely touched by the massive turnout.

"Despite all the worry, planning and heartache, it turned out to be a fantastic day that Banbury can be proud of."

Her Majesty was met by about 150 people in the town hall and was introduced to individuals by Mrs Bonner.

The Duke of Edinburgh joined the Queen and also mingled with community members.

There was then a fanfare in honour of the royal couple who stepped up on to a dais and were thanked for coming during a welcome speech made by Mrs Bonner.

The town mayor unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit and the royal couple signed the visitors book and an offical photograph of themselves; the Duke raised a laugh by asking what the date was!

They were then presented with a posy before making their way outside to meet members of the public.

Mrs Bonner said: "It was absolutely wonderful and we have made so many people happy today.

"I hope Her Majesty is as happy and thrilled with the reception she received from Banbury people. She must have gone away from this thinking how much people love her because the welcome she got was tremendous.

"You can organise lots of things but not people's goodwill."