NEIGHBOURHOODS across the country are being encouraged to dust down their Union Flags and party in celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

After all, we all did it so well 25 years ago for the Silver Jubilee.

But a party needs organisation -- especially one that covers not one but two streets.

And what better way of organising such a huge event than forming a committee -- albeit an unofficial one.

Which is precisely what the residents of Saxby Avenue and Conningsby Close, Bromley Cross, have done.

Four women have got together and planned a street party for Monday, June 3.

Committee member Tracy Cahill said: "It all came about last summer when a friend of mine, Gill Fletcher, mentioned we should do something for the jubilee.

"We forgot about it until March of this year when we decided we'd better get cracking."

Here is how Tracy and the Conningsby Close committee planned their party . . .

Step 1: Get your jubilee party pack

"We got this from the council," says Tracy. "Sadly we applied too late to get some of the grant available but we wanted to go ahead with the party anyway."

Step 2: Tell the neighbours

"We drafted a letter to all the residents -- about 180 in total -- and asked them to let us know if they were interested. We asked three things -- were they interested? Could they help and would they be willing to donate?"

Step 3: Form a committee

"We formed an unofficial committee -- myself, Cathy Savage, Margaret Chamberlain and Joanna Thornton. This made things easier, we knew we had four specific people to deal with the party arrangements."

Step 4: Arrange for road closure

"We applied to the council for this -- it's important to get this sorted as soon as possible because the area needs to be traffic-free, especially with children running around."

Step 5: work out cost per household

"We worked out that it would cost £7.50 per household and with that we would buy paper plates, plastic glasses, plastic cutlery and various jubilee decorations. People are supplying their own food and drink."

Step 6: Open a bank account

"We opened an account solely for the party monies. We nominated a treasurer so everything was official."

Step 7: Organise and book attractions

"We have hired a bouncy castle for the kids but we'd left it too late to book a marquee so we have asked residents to bring garden gazeboes if they have them -- in case it rains!

"The committee came up with various party games and quizzes for the day and have asked residents if they would be able to help with donation of prizes."

Step 8: Check liability/insurance contracts

"We made it quite clear, in writing, that each resident MUST be responsible for themselves and their own children at all times."

Step 9: Count the final numbers and collect the monies

"We hand delivered all the letters, complete with a booking form, to every house in the two streets and allocated May 10 as the cut-off date. We needed to have the money in the bank account as soon as possible so we can go out and buy everything needed for the party."

Step 10: Pray for good weather (and have a stand-by if it rains)

"Of course a sunny day would make everything perfect but this IS Britain after all and you always have to have a stand-by.

"We have asked people to bring their own garden furniture -- we've done a table plan -- and hopefully there will be a covered gazebo or two among that."