Scores of people turned out to welcome the Queen to north Essex.

The monarch visited Maldon and Tiptree yesterday, where fans gathered hoping to catch a glimpse of royalty.

Police lined the river bank and a crowd assembled outside the Maldon Crystal Salt Company building as anticipation before her arrival increased.

Shortly after 12.20pm, a helicopter carrying Her Majesty landed near the building, the first place she was visiting on her busy agenda.

Wearing a grey hat with a red trim and matching long jacket, she was led straight inside, where it was thought she observed the traditional methods used to make salt crystal.

The Queen was due to meet staff and fourth-generation family members who run the firm, based at Wycke Hill Business Park.

An exhibition of salt production on the Essex coast had been laid on for the 84-year-old.

From there, the Queen was expected to head up Maldon’s High Street to greet the crowds as she walked to the town hall on Market Hill for a lunch with local dignitaries.

Maldon District Council had ordered 500 barriers and bunting for High Street, while firms were being encouraged to dress their windows for the royal visit.

After lunch, the Queen was expected to travel to Tiptree’s famous jam factory, which is an official supplier to the royal family.

She was due to tour the factory, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, seeing the jam-making process and meeting staff.

The Queen was also expected to observe the Christmas pudding packing area, and the museum and tea rooms before she unveiled a plaque to mark her visit.

It was the Queen’s first visit to north Essex since 2004, when thousands lined Colchester’s High Street to catch a glimpse of the monarch and Prince Philip when they lunched with dignitaries at the Town Hall.