PUPILS at Long Wittenham Primary School had a royal surprise last week when a "majestic beast" rode in to invite them to the Queen's 90th birthday party.

A royal messenger - in the form of parent Angela Beresford - on horseback delivered an invite to a tea party next month to celebrate her Majesty's birthday.

Children watched on in awe as the horse made its way onto the school grounds and the invitation

It read: "All loyal subjects of Her Majesty The Queen who abide or are schooled in The Wittenham Villages are hereby notified by royal proclamation of a tea party to be held on Saturday 11th June 2016 at The Plough Inn, Long Wittenham between the hours of 2:30pm and 4pm in honour of The Queen's 90th Birthday."

Year six pupil Anna Crosskey, said: "We were all playing in the gorgeous sunshine when our headteacher told us to sit down on the playing field.

"To our surprise, through our school gates trotted a magnificent horse.

She added: "On his back, atop a glittering gold cloth was the messenger.

"While sat on the majestic beast, she read out the golden scrolls to us all."

"All of us, the staff and the children are extremely excited for the party and we cannot wait."

As in the invitation the entire village and school are invited to the tea party at The Plough Inn on Saturday June 11.