Martin Payne roared, the bells chimed - and Bungay's Jubilee festivities were off to a flying start.

From the Butter Cross, Mr Payne, town crier, read the official proclamation marking the Queen’s historic 70 years on the throne, and the bells of St Mary’s Church rung out their congratulations to the country’s beloved monarch.

Mr Payne said: "It is fantastic to be involved and to be a part of history today to mark something that has never happened before and might not happen again.

"Bungay has a great tradition of celebrating and it's great to see so many people come together to mark the occasion."

Ahead of the town crier's proclamation, all eyes turned to the sky as a Lancaster bomber flew overhead to mark the occasion.

Watched by the masses, including town mayor, Tony Dawes, and town reeve, Olly Barnes, the historic aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight made three turns in the bright sunshine to the delight of the watching crowds, the figure of justice atop the ancient Butter Cross steadfastly also paying her silent tribute.

As part of the proclamation, he said: "Today in our nation and throughout the commonwealth, we are celebrating our glorious Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

"Platinum, the most noble of metals and more precious even than gold.

"It is in honour of this unique occasion that beacons will be lit this evening throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and overseas territories and all the capital cities of the commonwealth.

"Let it be known, that in proclaiming this tribute to Her Majesty that we are one nation and one commonwealth. God save the Queen."

Further events were held throughout the day, including performances at Bungay Castle from 7pm, where the Fisher Theatre presented Love and Duty to celebrate the Queen's reign with music, dance and drama, while the Castle Choir also sang.

A beacon will be lit by the town mayor and reeve at 9.10pm, before the Bungay Overture will be performed by William Drew-Batty.

Further jubilee flypasts will take place over the weekend, with a Spitfire taking to the skies above Bungay at 3.42pm on Friday and 12.34pm on Saturday, while a Hurricane will complete the spectacle at 12.20pm on Sunday.