TOWNS and villages across the Cotswolds were undeterred by the odd rain shower in their celebrations for The Queen’s official 90th birthday over the weekend in a number of street parties, with Prince Charles and Camilla even joining residents in Brimpsfield for tea and sandwiches.

The heir apparent and Duchess of Cornwall ate egg and cress sandwiches alongside 100 attendees, including schoolchildren dressed as kings, queens and corgis, for The Big Lunch event, of which Camilla is a patron.

Peter Stewart, director of the Eden Project, attended the party in Brimpsfield. He said: “I think it is part of being British that we aren’t put off by the weather.”

Professor John Oakley, of Cranfield University, pulled a pint of Cotswold Lion for Charles.

“He was holding it and sipping it but I don’t know how much he actually drank,” he said, though the Prince did raise the pint during a rendition of the Welsh national anthem by amateur dramatic group The Brimpsfield Players.

Meanwhile, in Cirencester, the Royal Agricultural University welcomed thousands of guests in an event which mirrored the national ‘street party’ on the Mall in London.

Professor Chris Gaskell, RAU vice-chancellor, said: “We had a fantastic day celebrating HM The Queen’s 90th birthday, and her committed patronage of over 600 charities and organisations, including of course the RAU.

"Nothing could dampen out spirits, and despite the rainy start we were delighted to welcome so many members of the local community to celebrate with us.”

In Tetbury, 90-year-old resident Daphne Dickinson, who shares her birthday with The Queen, was presented with a bouquet of flowers by former mayor Sandra Ball, during an afternoon of celebrations led by current mayor Stephen Hirst and deputy Kevin Painter.

The party was surprised and thrilled when Maggie Heaven, The Dolphins Recreation Centre Trust, and Will Cook, chairman of the Rail Lands Trust Will Cook, cycled through the streets in red, white and blue on a tandem bike as part of the 20-mile Tetbury Community Bike Ride for charity.

75 adults and children gathered together in Lechlade Park on Sunday, with resident of 40 years Bruce Oliver giving an opening speech and royal toast on Katherine’s Walk.

Crudwell Primary School led the celebrations near Malmesbury with its ‘Tea for a Queen’ celebration, joined by 45 members of the community with entertainment provided by the school choir, while former pupil John Wiggins led everyone in three cheers for Her Majesty.

Prior to the event, reception class children to year six had painted portraits of the Queen, and some had even felted or made clay models of crowns, while the Lord Lucas Trust met the cost of giving every child a commemorative coin.