RAIN did not stop play at a Kidderminster school which held a "fantastic" day to mark the Queen's half-century on the throne.

Spennells First School packed in a mass balloon release, dancing, songs and stories on Thursday.

"It went very well," said teacher Ruth Howell. "It was a pity it rained in the morning but we moved the events inside.

"The balloon launch was wonderful - about 380 red, white and blue balloons rose up towards Bromsgrove!" Matthew Campbell, nine, Josie Beardsmore, seven, and five-year-old Lewis Modley are pictured at their school's jubilee party.

There was a huge , circular snake dance and the children made crowns and flags and took part in a special assembly, singing the national anthem.

There was a story time where each teacher moved around and told a story or a poem to each class, followed by a picnic in the school hall.

"We had a fantastic time. At the end of the day each child got specially minted coins donated by the Friends of Spennells," said Mrs Howell.