HER majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, flew into Studley yesterday to a fantastic welcome.

The Queen Mother was in the village to open Mountbatton House -- the new headquarters of the Royal Life Saving Society and originally Studley's manor house.

Weeks of planning swung into operation as the Royal Flight helicopter clattered into sight above the Birmingham Road headquarters of the needle industry.

And the company had a small gift for the Queen Mother -- a display of needles and an extra presentation package to take back to Clarence House for Lady Diana Spencer.

Cheering crowds, including hundreds of schoolchildren waving more than 1,000 flags, lined Alcester Street.

Her first duty was to plant a juniper tree with a spade donated by Studley Lawnmowers Ltd.

After a short speech by RLSS President Prince Michael of Kent, the Queen Mother stepped forward and said she was "so delighted" to be in Studley once again.