WHEN the Queen pulled into Worcester on the Royal Train yesterday morning she knew she had a list of official - and, we're sure, very pleasurable - engagements to undertake.

Her duties were important ones, but perhaps nothing was as noteworthy as the sheer spirit of joy which she conveyed during her progress around the city.

From the moment she stepped into the city sunshine, through her visits to the new divisional police headquarters and Royal Worcester Porcelain, she put a smile on the face of our community.

And, to be honest, it was a community that was in need of a lift.

As the Queen discovered, our city was beleaguered by the flooding of last autumn and, at the moment, is fretful about what disasters foot-and-mouth may have in store for it.

So, as an example of her humanity, take the moment she met Sarah Blakeman, whose house in Diglis Avenue was flooded and who - together with her parents - is still having to live upstairs in her home.

"I was quite nervous about meeting her but she was so warm and friendly she put me at ease," said Sarah. "She asked about my parents and was very understanding."

Or, for anyone who may doubt the happiness she brought, mark the words of china lithographer Anne Fowler at Royal Worcester.

"We've been excited about the visit for weeks. When the Queen spoke to me, it was the highlight of my day," she explained.

This was, to echo the remarks of the Mayor of Worcester, Mary Drinkwater, the day when the Faithful City could re-affirm the loyalty and affection it has for the Queen.

But it was also the day when Her Majesty was able to convey, with understanding words and many a smile, the high esteem in which she holds her subjects.