FOR residents past and present of Dover Road, Wyke Regis, the Queen's Golden Jubilee was a chance to share memories and catch up with old friends.

All those who took part in the street's Coronation party in 1953 were invited to a special reunion at the Wellworthy social club in Wyke Regis, Weymouth.

The party was the idea of two childhood friends, Lorraine Paddison and Carol Ward, who got in touch again after more than 30 years through the internet site, Friends Reunited.

Carol (nee Guy), used to live at number 54, but has since moved to Blackpool.

She said: "I can't believe it, it's absolutely wonderful and I didn't expect so many people."

"So many have moved away to Yeovil, Devon and London, it's nice to see them all come back for the reunion."

Mrs Betty Hawkins, who lived at number 45 and is the mother of Lorraine Paddison, has memories of the original Coronation party.

"I can remember that our next door neighbour had a television and nobody had one at that time. I remember popping in and out from the party to see the coronation on the TV," she said.

For many it was the chance to reminisce about how life used to be on the street.

Mrs Betty Wood and Mrs Betty Baker have been neighbours on Dover Road for 50 years. They remember it as a happy street, with lots of community spirit.

And everyone agreed that the event was a great success.