As special events take place across Fermanagh this week to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, we are looking back 70 years to see how the people of this area celebrated Her Majesty's Coronation in 1953.

The Impartial Reporter on June 6, 1953 reported: "From all parts of Fermanagh and Tyrone come reports of well planned and memorable celebrations to mark the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Local Committees in every district worked indefatigably to give the children, in particular, a day they will remember all their lives.

"Looking back over the events of Coronation Day, which have already taken their place in history, I am not sure the people of this part of Ulster are proud of the part so many of them have played, not only in the actual Coronation, but in local celebrations before and afterwards in every village and town.

"Did you realise how big a part was played by our district? Our Prime Minister and Lady Brookeborough were in the limelight throughout; Lord Alan Brooke was in command of the thousands of troops who marched and lined the Coronation route; the young Earl of Erne was a Page in Westminster Abbey; Lieut-Colonel Grosvenor was an Usher. The many who were able to witness the days events are all unanimous – despite the cold and showers, despite the long wait, it was worth the experience ten times over."

As part of the coronation celebrations in 1953, residents of Enniskillen adorned their houses with bunting and union flags in a bid to win the title of 'Best Decorated House'.

First prize in the competition was won by Mr. Albert McKeown, of 2 and 3 Alma Terrace. Mr. N.H. Carson of 8 Forthill Road was second and Mr. Albert D. Connolly of Townhall Street, Enniskillen took third place in the 'best-decorated house in Enniskillen for the Coronation' competition.

In celebration of the Queen's Coronation on June 2, 1953, best friends Grace Downey (née Hogg) and Ruby Doherty (née Morrison) dressed up as a bride and groom to take part in the Moat Primary School's Fancy Dress Parade which paraded through Lisnaskea.

The groom’s dress suit was given by Mr. Gillespie, the school principal at the time and the wedding dress was owned by the then vice principal Mrs. Gillespie.

70 years on, Ruby currently lives in Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh and Grace near Comber, Co. Down. They are still very good friends and keep in touch regularly.

Jim Crean, who lived in Kilskeery, was an employee of the Great Northern Railway Ireland. In a photograph supplied by Maurice Crean (above), Jim can be seen standing beside the poster board at Bundoran Junction Railway Station, in Kilskeery, which was decorated for the Coronation in 1953.