Throne is fit for a queen after repairs

BLACKBURN'S centenary gala day queen will be crowned in style after staff and pupils at Inveralmond Community High School restored the queen's throne back to its original glory.

The throne was so badly damaged by vandals last month that the gala committee was not sure if it could be repaired.

But Roger McCluskey, a technician in the craft, design and technology department at the Livingston school, offered to help.

He said: "This proved to be an outstanding opportunity for some of the pupils within the department to do something that would impact the local community.

"The throne had sustained considerable damage with one of the uprights being broken in half and the rear split in three places.

"The main concern was to keep the throne as original as possible, and this proved to be possible with the only additions being concealed with the jointing system in order to strengthen the structure.

"The throne is now resplendent in its former glory for the next gala queen, Nicole Hannah, to be crowned in June."