The Queen visits Bilsborrow

Queen Elizabeth II inspects cattle at Myerscough College during her visit to Lancaster, after she arrived at the historic city by royal train. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday May 29, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Lancaster. Photo credit should read: Andrew Yates/PA Wire

Queen Elizabeth II arrived at Lodge Livery Yard at 11.55am and was met by students from Myerscough College and Lancashire Police horses Guild and Gibson.

Wearing a turquoise outfit by Angela Kelly, her favourite designer, and a Duchy of Lancaster brooch, she was given a tour of horse shoeing and sheep shearing.

Crowds waved their royal flags as The Queen toured the yard with Myerscough Principal Ann Turner.

Her Majesty was delighted to see the horse shoeing live in action and showed a keen interest in the apprentices.

Ann Turner said: “It was a real honour to welcome Her Majesty and to be able to share with her some of the students and experiences.

“She was very interested in first of all the apprenticeships, in Farrier which we have here at the college.

“She was surprised it took four years, very pleased to see girls taking part, but she was also very interested in all the horses themselves and obviously her passion is horses.

The Queen pays a visit to Lancaster and Bilsborrow

“There is a certain theme of disbelief around but the students have been working incredibly hard getting the live stock ready for the visit today.”

Horses Guild and Gibson were looked after by Lancashire Police and Farrier apprentices, Phoebe Colton and Steven Green, as Her Majesty asked about hoof care.

Phoebe Colton, from Lancaster, said: “The Queen asked about the physicalities of the job, she said ‘you must be quite strong’ I explained we get used to it.

“My horse was being a little naughty today.”

Steven Green, from Manchester, said: “It feels amazing to meet her, I was so nervous, it was quite exciting.

“I never thought I would be meeting the Queen.

“I invited my dad but he couldn’t come, he was gutted, we are very much royalists.”

After cracking a few jokes about the physical demands of the job The Queen headed to the dairy unit to view the calf show parade and sheep shearing.

Before departing The Queen was stopped by crowd members offering Her Majesty flowers and gifts.

After a long morning, previously visiting Lancaster Castle, The Queen was escorted away at 12.20pm.

Click above to watch a slideshow of pictures.