RECEIVING a thank you letter from the Palace was the royal icing on the cake for youngsters who celebrated the Queen's 90th birthday by sending her handmade cards.

Children at Highfield Primary School in Farnworth, sent Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 60 handcrafted cards wishing her many happy returns on her birthday.

And the children couldn't believe it when they received a letter signed on behalf of the Queen from Windsor Castle, thanking them for their birthday wishes.

Lily Cunningham, aged six, said: "It was very exciting to receive a letter from the Queen.

"We put a lot of effort into making the cards and it was really nice to receive a letter.

"She thanked us for our many beautiful cards."

The cards were created as part of a topic on famous people in history, including the kings and queens of England.

When learning of the Queen's birthday, the youngsters said they wanted to send her birthday cards they had made themselves.

As part of the celebrations, the school also held a special red white and blue day and children learned more about Queen Elizabeth.

Helen Winstanley, Year One teacher who led the activities with fellow teacher Emma Wray, said: "The cards were amazing, the children decided to put a picture of the Queen on the cards, which they drew. They used glitter to decorate them.

"They looked beautiful."

She added: "We were not expecting a letter, and the children we so excited when it came.

"The letter said that the Queen was touched the children had made the cards."

The letter, from a lady-in-waiting read: "The Queen was touched by the care that each of you took with your artwork and greatly appreciates the affection and support she has received throughout her long reign."

Skyla Redford, aged five, added: "It was really nice to receive a letter from the Queen thanking us for the cards."