WELLWISHERS have posed for pictures with a cardboard cut-out of the Queen to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

Mo East was pictured sat beside the giant cut-out of Her Majesty at her beach hut on Hove promenade.

Raising a glass of prosecco and wearing a Union Jack hat, the 77-year-old beamed as she kicked off her weekend of celebrations.

The Argus: Crowds on Hove promenade for the beacon lighting Crowds on Hove promenade for the beacon lighting

Mo said she had gone down to the seafront to watch the lighting of Hove beacon on Thursday when her friend surprised her by bringing the Queen along to the party.

Soon, people were flocking to Mo’s beach hut to have selfies with the unexpected guest.

Mo said: “A friend of mine brought the cut-out along unexpectedly and it was the big hit of the evening.

The Argus: Mo East was pictured sat beside the giant cut-out of Her Majesty Mo East was pictured sat beside the giant cut-out of Her Majesty

“In fact, someone even took a photo of the mayor with it. It was lovely everybody was so friendly.

“Everyone was really community-minded, and everybody was talking to everybody else.

“People even bought their dogs with them. Everybody was in really good spirits and ready to celebrate.”

Mo said she is now looking forward to hosting a Jubilee Street party alongside her neighbours in Tudor Close, Hove, on Sunday.

It is one of more than 80 parties that are set to take place across the bank holiday weekend.

Mo said the occasion has been the perfect way to get people back together again after various coronavirus lockdowns forced people apart.

She said: “We’re all getting together to have a big Jubilee lunch and I’m really looking forward to it.

“Preparations are going well so it should be something to look forward to.

“Whether you’re a Republican or not, you can’t help but respect the Queen for all her years of loyal service.

“So, whatever you think, it is just fantastic to be part of history.”

Millions of people across the nation are celebrating the Platinum Jubilee at patriotic street parties while live music and light projections herald the historic occasion over the few days.

Events range in Brighton range from street parties to a big, family picnic, which is set to take place in the Royal Pavilion gardens tomorrow.