Last updated at 16:56, Wednesday, 11 June 2008

Cumbria Constabulary has praised the crowds who lined the streets of Whitehaven to catch a glimpse of HM The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

More than 80 extra officers, including PCSOs and Special Constables, were drafted in from around the county to help manage the 8,000 strong crowds at the harbourside and Police have hailed the operation a great success.

Superintendent Phil Bishop, in charge of the policing of the event, said: “I would like to thank all the local people and visitors who ensured a great atmosphere at Whitehaven Harbour for the Queens visit today. More than 8,000 people turned out, including about 2000 children from local schools, and their exemplary behaviour added to what I hope was an enjoyable experience for everyone, including the Royal Party.

“Crowd control and maintaining public safety was our top priority and I am pleased to say that, with only one arrest for a public order offence, the operation went very well.

“We worked closely with our partner agencies, including; the Coast Guard, Harbour Commissioners, the Maritime Committee and our colleagues in the British Transport Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance, to help ensure the event was enjoyable and safe for all who attended.”

The whole event went smoothly with just one arrest. A 19-year-old Maryport man was arrested outside Whitehaven Tesco’s at about 10.30am for a public order offence. He was bailed to return to Whitehaven Police Station on June 23 pending further police enquiries.

After their visit to Whitehaven, The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh also visited The Cumberland Pencil Factory at Lillyhall, Underscar Manor Country House and Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency Food Technology Centre at Redhills, Penrith.

As requested by HM The Queen all the flowers which she received today have been taken to Keswick Cottage Hospital where they were gratefully received.

First published at 15:57, Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk