MUSEUM Gardens in the centre of York rang out to the sound of gunfire to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

At noon today a 21-gun salute was staged with three 105mm light guns by soldiers from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Alanbrooke Barracks, Topcliiffe.

There were 21 rounds fired at ten-second intervals, and the event was open to the public to watch.

The celebrations began at 10.45am, when The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band, based at Catterick, perform a marching display on their way from Duncombe Place, near York Minster, reaching the gardens at 11.30am and continuing to entertain onlookers until just before the salute was fired at noon.