MARGATE is buzzing ahead of next Friday's Royal visit from the Queen and Prince Philip.

Her Majesty's last visit to the isle was on July 16, 1993, when she attended the naming of a new lifeboat in Ramsgate harbour and the Royal Sea Bathing Hospital.

Former Broadstairs mayoress June Kilvington fondly remembers the previous trip to Thanet by the guests of honour.

Mrs Kilvington, wife of former mayor and councillor Bernard, said: "All the mayors from across Kent were invited to a reception at the harbour and the Queen arrived by car.

"Her Majesty met the lifeboat crew and the dignitaries. I remember her saying that she'd never seen so much gold as the mayors were all wearing their chains." Traders are hopeful the visit will provide more publicity for Margate and a timely boost to the local economy ahead of the winter months.

We hit the streets to hear what locals thought of the VIP visit and which attractions they would recommend.