Duke of Edinburgh brings a right Royal touch to Stanley Park's centenary celebrations in Blackpool

Cheering crowds of excited children waved Union flags as the Duke of Edinburgh paid a special visit to Blackpool’s Stanley Park to help celebrate its centenary year.

The Duke flew up in by helicopter and was soon striding through the Grade II-listed park to the recently renovated Cocker Clock Memorial Tower, where he unveiled a blue plaque commemorating Dr William Henry Cocker, Blackpool’s first Mayor, joking as the burgundy covering proved a little tricky to swish aside.

For a moment it had seemed that the heavens were about to open, as a few spots of rain came down from the overcast sky, but mercifully there was no downpour to dampen the mood.

There were introductions to the current Mayor and Mayoress of Blackpool, Cllrs Danny and Michele Scott, as well as Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, before His Royal Highness went to meet the schoolchildren who had waited so patiently to meet him.

The Duke enjoyed meeting the youngsters and spent time talking to them, before continuing through the Italian Gardens to meet representatives of local community groups and organisations, accompanied by leading members of Blackpool Council including deputy leader, Cllr Jane Hugo.

He spent time listening to the sweet sound of the Electric Pink Voices, Blackpool’s LGBT + Choir, asking them about their group, before moving on to another ensemble, the Waterloo Women’s Choir, who serenaded him with a version of the Eurythmics' Sweet Dreams are Made of This.

The Duke then visited the recently refurbished Art Deco Café, where he signed the park’s visitor book.

And then he was off, having lent some special Royal approval to the much-loved park during its special year.

Blackpool resident Joan Wilkes, 74, who was attending with her sister Barbara Travis, who lives in Nottingham, said: “It’s been marvellous having the Duke come to our park here in Blackpool.

“To see all the little children so excited, with their flags, was lovely.”

Barbara said: "I love these Royal visits, it's really a special occasion for local people."

The visit came ahead of the park’s official centenary celebrations early next month, where residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day of entertainment and activities, culminating in a spectacular drone show.

The park has undergone a programme of investment and improvements in recent years, helping to preserve and enhance one of Blackpool’s most popular green spaces for residents and visitors.