THE Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are coming to Crewkerne on Wednesday, May 2, as part of the Diamond Jubilee Tour of Britain.

They will visit the town hall, where displays of local produce, historical items and documents will be on show.

It is expected that the town centre will be a sea of people waving Union Jack flags as Crewkerne grinds to a halt for the Royal visit.

South Somerset District Council owned car parks in Crewkerne at South Street, Henhayes, Abbey Street, West Street and Market Square will be free to park in all day.

Earlier in the day the Royal party will be in Yeovil, where they will open a Diamond Jubilee Fair near Goldenstones leisure centre featuring exhibits celebrating Somerset and Yeovil, its wildlife, heritage and industry.

In Yeovil, the car parks at Peter Street, South Street Market, South Street, Park Street, Newton Road, Court Ash, Petters Way, Box Factory, West Hendford, North Lane, Goldenstones, Middle Street (blue badge holders only), Stars Lane, Earle Street, Brunswick Street, Fairfield, Market Street, Goldcroft and Huish will be free for motorists.

The council’s deputy leader, Cllr Tim Carroll, said: “We are all delighted that South Somerset has been selected as part of the national Royal Jubilee tour.

“I would like to hope that as many people as possible would wish to come along and welcome the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to our area on this very unique occasion.

“That is why we have taken the decision to allow everyone to park for free all day in both Yeovil and Crewkerne on May 2.”

The council says car parks managed by other operators may still charge.