Ashby town councillor Nick Rushton - and leader of Leicestershire County Council - has described the Queen's Platinum Jubilee as an historic moment for the nation.

With the four day Bank Holiday now under way, street parties and events across Ashby and Leicestershire have already begun.

Cllr Rushton said: "Like many people across the county, I'm really looking forward to celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

"This is a remarkable achievement in the history of the nation.

"Everyone across Leicestershire will be paying their respects to quite simply an amazing person, who has dedicated her entire life to the service of this country."

Leicestershire County Council leader and Ashby town councillor Nick Rushton

Some 300 street parties are set to take place in towns and villages all across the county, assisted by the council which has set aside nearly £500,000 to allow it to waive the usual fees for closing roads, and to make it easier for celebrations to take place.

Communities across the county have been invited to come together for the council's Big Jubilee Lunch as part of the official celebrations.

Millions of people across the UK are expected to meet up for lunch with their neighbours on Sunday 5 June as part of the UK's biggest annual get-together for neighbours.

A Big Lunch can be anything from a small gathering in a garden, park or driveway, to a larger party with trestle tables down the middle of your street.

Ashby will be staging its Jubilee Street party in Market Street from noon on Sunday, with 300 tables stretching the length of the road through the town centre.