THE country is gearing up to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.

Elizabeth II became Queen on the death of her father George VI on February 6, 1952.

St Mary Magdalene Church, in Taunton, is marking the our monarch's latest milestone with an accession day service on Sunday, February 5, at 6.30pm.

The 65th anniversary has brought back memories for Daphne Gilham, of Bishop's Hull.

She said: "I was in the sixth form at Minehead Grammar School.

"The science master was off school, probably with the 'flu.

"Returning to the sixth form room which was upstairs overlooking the front drive, we noticed the flag on the flag post at the end of the drive was flying at half mast.

"'Poor old Mr J has died', we said. It was only some hours later we discovered it was not Mr J but the king who died."

Have you got any memories or photos of when the Queen became Queen? Or are you planning to celebrate her landmark occasion?

Let us know - e-mail us at newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk or call 01823-365023.