IN spite of all the scepticism that the jubilee celebrations would be a damp squib, lost amid the furore over the World Cup, Big Brother and the showdown between India and Pakistan, the celebrations were a magnificent success.

In marked contrast to the spectacular pageantry of the events in London on Monday evening and Tuesday daytime, the plethora of local events across the county were tiny in organisation and attendance.

But every one of them was just as patriotic and charged with a determination to make it a bank holiday weekend to remember.

The excitement in youngsters' eyes as they joined their families and friends for fun and games among flag-draped streets and on decorated village greens will stay in the memory a long while.

For those who remember the coronation, and the silver jubilee of 1977, the celebrations conjured up memories of a bygone era that many must have thought had gone forever.

Tribute must be paid to the hundreds of organising committees who volunteered to plan events, raise funds for them and then help with publicity and the running.

Many of the events, such as the giant street party in Marlborough, raised vast sums in a very short space of time and their money men could teach many full-time charity fundraisers a thing or two.

Each party was just as much about enjoying the company of neighbours, friends and family as it was about marking Queen Elizabeth's 50 years on the throne.

We should also spare a thought for the unsung heroes of the weekend. Volunteers from St John Ambulance, the WRVS and the British Legion, as well as Special Constables, gave up their free time to make sure the events were safe and well co-ordinated.

The events may have been principally to mark the Queen's jubilee but more than that they celebrated the community spirit that thrives in the county. Let us hope it continues to do so for the next 50 years.