LUCKY schoolchildren will be hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen today as they travel to Salisbury for a special Diamond Jubilee event.

Five pupils from Longleaze Primary School in Royal Wootton Bassett have been picked to help open the event in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral, which will see Her Royal Highness enjoying performances and meeting some of Wiltshire’s finest.

Dozens of other pupils will also be heading to the event and headteacher, Clare Pickard, said the school had been buzzing with excitement.

“The five winners are very excited,” she said.

“They are hoping to catch sight of the Queen when she has a walk around.

“The rest of Key Stage 2 is going to the general event. It is the best reception to a school trip we have ever had. Everyone returned their slips straight away.”

At 1.30pm, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will tour a tented exhibition in the cathedral grounds showcasing the county’s history and communities, including a tent on Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade.

They will be greeted by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam, and will watch a display by the Band of The Prince of Wales’ Division, Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth.

The Queen will also be invited to unveil a plaque commemorating the visit.

Max Hopkins, eight, Danny Seal, eight, Lauren Seal, 10, George Staten, 11, and Cerys Baker, nine, were chosen to take part in the opening at 10am after entering a competition organised by the school.

The children were asked to create a picture or a piece of work for the competition about what they think they will be like in 60 years time.

The school was invited to help with the opening by the Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire, Sarah Rose Troughton.

“We had a selection of writing and drawing and they were the five winners,” said Mrs Pickard.

One of the pupils, George, will also be playing the trumpet at the reception with Swindon Young Musicians.

The Letters Patent, awarded to Royal Wootton Bassett last year, will be on show in the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade area’s tent.

The honour was presented to the town by the Princess Royal in recognition of the respect shown by residents during the repatriations.

There will also be two of Royal Wootton Bassett’s residents in the tent wearing medieval style tabards and speaking about the town and its history.