DEBBIE Vaughan and her neighbours are getting ready to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in grand style.

Mrs Vaughan, of Delius Close, Alway, Newport, set the ball rolling for a street party. She has started a collection and set up a committee to organise a children's party and a barbecue for the adults.

It is just one of the many events being planned around Gwent in the coming months to mark the Queen's 50 years on the throne.

Yesterday the Argus reported how Gwent was gearing up to celebrate the jubilee across the area. And locals are wasting no time in getting their plans together.

Newport's Prefabs Residents Association have already launched their New Jubilee Social Club and a fundraising drive for a street party.

Women's Institutes in Torfaen are holding their celebrations in Victoria Village Hall, Abersychan, on June 4 with a red, white and blue theme.

Townswomen's Guild members are planning a bonnet afternoon at St Mary's Church hall, Stow Hill, Newport, on April 6.

Undy Athletic Football Club are expecting hundreds of people to attend their party, church fete, disco and karaoke on June 3. Entertainment secretary John Larcombe can be reached on 01633 882531.

Residents in Partridge Road, Llanhilleth, have booked a clown, disco and bouncy castle. St Anne's Hospice is due to benefit from money raised by Malpas Park's Party on the Green.

Also in Newport, Aberthaw Circle Jubilee committee's planned celebrations include sports for children, a fancy dress contest, talent show and the whole day will have a 50s' theme. Committee chairman Alan McCarthy can be contacted on 01633 780330.

Sixteen houses in Dowland Close, Ringland, are having bingo nights and car boot sales to raise money for a children's party in the day and adults party in the evening of June 3. In Cwmfelinfach, Louise Sammers and Janet John, of Commercial Road, are organising a street party.

Rogiet Village is holding a four-day celebration.

Voluntary and community groups can apply for grants of between £500 and £5,000 for projects which have long-term benefits. Application forms are available via the website www.awardsforall.org.uk or by telephoning 0845 6002040.

*PICTURED: Linda Rogers-Pickett (left) and Debbie Vaughan will be celebrating.