Red white and blue bunting was put up everywhere in St Albans to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

Street parties were organised across the district as people marked her majesty’s landmark anniversary, including a huge party in St Peter’s Street attended by thousands of residents. As part of her nationwide Jubilee tour the Queen visited Hatfield House and St Albans school pupils had the opportunity to sing for her.

A couple fulfilled their dream of getting married just a month before Clive Thompson lost his battle with cancer – thanks to the residents of Harpenden.

Mandy Thompson, of Dell Close, was due to marry her fiancé Clive in July. But when they received the devastating news in April that he had terminal stomach cancer they knew they had to get married sooner.

Following her husband’s death on Saturday, May 26, Mrs Thompson is full of gratitude for the people who helped them reorganise the wedding in just six days.

Mrs Thompson, an IT specialist, said: “I just can’t believe the way these people pulled together and did things for us.

“We had the most amazing wedding day.

“Everybody has just been absolutely fantastic.

“I just wanted to thank each and every person.”

The River Colne burst its banks in Colney Heath and residents were warned to prepare for flooding, after torrential downpours deluged the region.

The Environment Agency issued a flood alert for the Upper River Colne and Radlett Brook as well as the River Lea in Harpenden and Wheathampstead following three days of heavy rain. The annual St Albans festival began this month with a spectacular fireworks display in the city centre. The Review named the winner of its annual Retailer of the Year competition in June at a ceremony in Alban Arena.

The Green Boutique, in the Village Arcade in High Street, was announced as this year’s overall winner, prompting much cheering as staff took to the stage to collect their award.

Former Review editor Martin Buhagiar, who was compere for the evening, said: “Every year it gets bigger and better and I think this was our best yet.

“It was nice to see so many people there. In St Albans people support independent retailers. That was shown by the number of nominations.

“It shows how important independent retailers are.”