A YOUNG boy from Wroughton who organised a street party during the Platinum Jubilee has paid tribute to the Queen.

Earlier this year, nine-year-old Zachary Raval suggested to his mum Asmita that they bring their neighbours on Dunbar Road together to celebrate the 70th year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign after learning about it at school.

Their efforts, with help of friends and volunteers at the Ellendune Community Centre, went down a treat with the street and created an occasion they would always remember.

Turnout proved to be higher than expected, with around 100 people meeting up under decorations and bunting to mark seven decades as Elizabethans.

Being such a big fan of Her Majesty, the youngster was saddened by her passing on Thursday and spoke movingly about this loss and her place in history.

Zach told the Adver: "It was really sad that this happened, but she had a long life and was the longest reigning sovereign in Britain's history.

"People liked her because she had a fun side - like the scenes she did with Paddington and James Bond - and she was very sweet. 

"She did not seem too formal or strict, like you'd think someone who rules over us would be, she felt like family.

"We all grieve that she has gone and congratulate Charles on becoming King, we know he will do a good job.

"The next three sovereigns will all be boys, so we won't see the next Queen for a very long time.

"She was special, and the memories of that street party for our community feel more special, because everyone was happy for her and now we feel sadness for the royal family."

Zach and Asmita are considering travelling to Windsor or London to pay their respects to the Queen and lay flowers at a memorial site.

Asmita added: "We all feel extremely sad about the Queen's death because we all loved her. It seems surreal that we were celebrating her life just a few months ago.

"We're feeling sad individually and as a country because of what she stood for and becasue she felt like a Grandma to us.

"Zach has been follwing it all on the news, he's sad but very pragmatic about it. It's a historic moment, and has happened so fast - we have had a new prime minister and king in the same week."