The Queen spent 15 minutes at Tiptree's jam factory during a visit to Essex today.

She arrived by car at Wilkin and Sons at 2.55pm, more than 20 minutes behind schedule, and was whisked straight into the factory.

She was due to be presented with a silver brooch with a strawberry by silversmith Rachel Newham.

She was also given a bunch of flowers by Genny McCrory, who has worked at the factory for 32 years and won a ballot to make the presentation, before she met staff.

Cheers and waving flags greeted the Queen as she arrived in Tiptree.

But wellwishers only got a brief glimpse of the monarch.

Mintie Bemrose, of Stanway, was carrying a bouquet of pink carnations she was hoping to present to the Queen.

Children had made banners, including one that read: "We have strawberries fit for a Queen.”

The Queen left the factory at about 3.11pm before moving on for afternoon tea at the factory's tea room.

The Queen had earlier spent about 15 minutes greeting well-wishers in Maldon High Street.

She arrived in the town at about 1.15pm after a tour of the Maldon Crystal Salt Company.

Shortly after 12.20pm, a helicopter carrying the Queen landed near to the Maldon Crystal Salt Company building.

She was led straight into the building where she met staff.

Prince Philip did not accompany the Queen for today's visit of Essex.

She spent about 15 minutes speaking to people lining the street before entering the town hall for lunch, which is being provided by Five Lakes Hotel and Country Club in Virley.

Thousands of people had come from as Nottingham, Ipswich and Kent to see Her Majesty.