�It’s almost the weekend that we’ve all been waiting for and Havering is already awash with red, white and blue as jubilee fever sweeps the borough.

The party started early when 100 schoolchildren and their families had fun in the sun on Hornchurch Green last Sunday. They were treated to games in a large marquee and made paper crowns.

That was just the start. On Monday, students from Towers Infant School in Osborne Road, Hornchurch, had a visit from Romford MP Andrew Rosindell and Cllr Damian White, who helped to unveil a new mosaic.

Artwork

The artwork, to commemorate the jubilee, was created by artist Paul Siggins who incorporated some of the pupils’ designs.

Head teacher Janet Lobley said: “We think it is so important that we are celebrating the Queen’s 60 years on the throne and the children were really happy that such an important person like Andrew Rosindell could help to mark an important week with them.”

The celebrations will continue all weekend. Ninety- two street parties will be held across the borough.

Among those preparing to put up the bunting is Nicola Parker, 38, from Harold Wood.

She will be rolling out the red carpet for her street party on Monday.

She said: “Organising the party has been quite stressful but everyone is rallying around.”

Havering Council has also organised a host of events.

Romford Market on Saturday will be Jubilee themed and there will be entertainment including a brass band and face painting.

Music lovers can go to a Diamond Jubilee Romfest from noon to 6pm in the market place on Sunday.

The line-up includes Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Hope Murphy and Chas Hodges of Chas and Dave fame.

A fun run will take place on Monday from 10am to 1pm in Raphael Park, Romford, The 5km event is open to people of all ages.

The Royal Air Forces Association in Carlton Road, Romford, will be holding a garden party on Monday from noon to midnight, and a traditional street party will be taking place on the Village Green in Havering-atte-Bower on Saturday from noon to 5pm.

Barnstaple Estate Tenants’ and Residents’ Association will stage an event at the rear of Oundle House in Montgomery Crescent, Harold Hill, on Sunday from noon to 4pm.

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell will hold a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Extravaganza on Saturday, June 9 from 3pm to 9pm at Margaret Thatcher House in Western Road, Romford.