More than 1,000 people turned out to catch a glimpse of the monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh as they arrived for the gala evening in Blackpool.

Wearing a black gown and shawl, designed by Angela Kelly, the Queen smiled at the crowd gathered outside the Opera House, where the star-studded performance was held.

Veteran comedian Frank Carson greeted the royal couple inside the famous theatre, while his three young granddaughters presented the Queen with a posy of flowers.

He attempted to give Prince Philip a pair of cufflinks bearing the English flag, but he politely declined to accept them.

"I tried to give him the cufflinks as a bit of a joke, but he handed them back. There was a note in the box saying 'Stolen by Frank Carson'.

"I think he saw the funny side," Carson said.

Classical singer Faryl Smith led the National Anthem, alongside The Soldiers - Trooper Ryan Idzi, Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Sergeant Major Gary Chilton - a singing trio who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Comedian Peter Kay, host for the charity spectacular, welcomed the Queen to Blackpool, declaring it "the entertainment capital of the world".

He said his Nan was sitting near the monarch and they would be "swapping fudge by the interval". He added: "She might be in her 80s but she still pulls her wheelie bin out every Tuesday night. I just wish my Nanna would."