THE Queen's 90th birthday celebrations have been marked with patriotic events in Copeland.    

A bell-ringing celebration was held at St John's Church, Cleator Moor, which also heralded the end of an era for the tradition. 

The performance brought ringers from outside the area - as the church is set to close in June. A special celebration service was also held in the church's hall.

Chris de Cordova, tower captain at St John's, said the group would also be attempting a mammoth three-hour full peal for The Queen today. 

Whitehaven retailers showed their patriotic colours decorating their shop windows in festive red, white and blue.

Twelve took part in a window dressing competition, organised by Whitehaven and District Lions to mark the Queen's birthday. 

The winners were 1) Haven Crafts, Roper Street (who picked up the Jim Lambie Trophy) 2) Brook's, Duke Street; 3) The Rum Story, Lowther Street.

Among the judging team was retired Sellafield police inspector, Bill Proud, 65, of Rheda, who shared his birthday with Her Majesty, retired retailers Dorothy Holt and Margaret Crosby, and Joan Jackson, of Whitehaven Flower Club. 

Esther Clements, of Whitehaven Lions, one of the organisers, said: "It was a good response from the town's retail community.''