LUDLOW is basking in the afterglow of a magic day last Thursday when a reigning monarch came to the town for the first time for 300 years.

And from the comments of Buckingham Palace organisers, both Ludlow and Craven Arms people and organisers of the itinerary can be proud of the obvious enjoyment of the visit by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The summery but not too hot weather ensured a huge turnout of people and school children in both centres.

Buckingham Palace spokeswoman Collette Saunders said: "It was smiling and bubbling all the way. It was like the jubilee."

For the Royal couple, highlights of the visit appeared to be - from their lingering interest - an inspection of the Shropshire mammoth bones installed only last month in their new home at Ludlow Museum Resource Centre, a browse along the sumptuous and colourful Local-to-Ludlow produce and craft stalls in Castle Square, a visit to Ludlow Castle and a chance to sample the high-quality Ludlow Festival Shakespeare plays and a beautiful rendition by the cast of In the Bleak Mid Winter.

They also showed especial enjoyment chatting whenever they could, despite a tight schedule, to flag-waving school children.

One little group of Clee Hill School pupils at the entrance to the castle had a chat with the Duke of Edinburgh who admired their 'Highest School in Shropshire' badges and was told they were 1,000ft up in the hills.

It was a special day for Ludlow Festival organisers, rewarded by a Royal visit at the conclusion of their first-ever three-week event, and one of the most successful ever.

South Shropshire District Council's bill for the Queen's visit was reportedly "virtually nil." Council chairman Neville Stephens who headed the council party that met the Royal party at Parkway gave up his 'substantial' personal allowance for the day and the only other cost was council time, chief executive Graham Biggs said.