PLANS are being laid for a village tea party to mark the coronation in May.

Because most people are expected to be in front of the TV to watch the big event, taking place in Westminster Abbey on May 6, Winterton’s celebrations will be held the following day.

“This is in the very early stages, but planning has started,” said one of the organising team, Lt Col Terry Byrne. “Sunday, May 7 is the chance for the nation to join together once again in celebration of an important Royal occasion.

“In Winterton the day will start with a church service at 10am. All are welcome. We plan to assemble a marching contingent - cadets, school children, veterans etc - and our vintage military vehicles on the village green at around 9am and march/drive to church.

“Then the Big Event, the coronation tea party, will be held in the church from 1pm to 4pm. This will be very much a family event where you provide all your own party food and drink, and all are welcome. Details on numbers, booking and a ticket system for a space will follow once the event and format has been agreed. Watch this space.”

The Monday will be a bank holiday and has been designated a national day of volunteering. “For this we plan to invite all our village  volunteer groups to ‘show off’ and  have their group or activity display in the area of the village hall, green and church room, with fundraising stalls etc and a volunteer recruitment drive, between 10am and 3pm with refreshments available. All are welcome.”

Last summer hundreds took part in a long weekend of village events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, including a beacon lighting on the beach car park and big family tea party on the green

Terry added: “A strong community, that’s you, makes things happen.”

More details about the village events will follow in the coming weeks as the plans progress.