FROM beneath floppy sunhats to Ascot-worthy efforts, the people of Suffolk had waited happily for the Queen to arrive.Security was tight, with police spotters perched on window ledges, and on a boat circling the marina, as workers leaned out of windows the length of the waterfront.

FROM beneath floppy sunhats to Ascot-worthy efforts, the people of Suffolk had waited happily for the Queen to arrive.

Security was tight, with police spotters perched on window ledges, and on a boat circling the marina, as workers leaned out of windows the length of the waterfront.

There were crowds stacked up to ten people deep in scarce shade by Waterfront House, and others sipped champagne aboard luxury cruisers.

"Here she comes" shouted a man as manic flag waving erupted in the distance, but it proved to be a false alarm and the royal party were first seen ten minutes later.

"There she is," called a woman aboard Il Punto, following her observation with a running commentary about the Queen's mint green dress and white hat.

Three cheers spontaneously burst from the crowd.

Ten-year-old Jack Potter of Blair Close, Rushmere St Andrew, received a special greeting on his birthday, as The Queen singled out his family to chat to.

His sister Bethany, aged seven, gave her flowers, and mum Kim said: "She said happy birthday to Jack, which was lovely for him."

Linda Evans, from Dawn to Dusk Educare Trust at Capel St Mary also got a close view of The Queen from her vantage point at the barriers.

She said: "It was wonderful, because we support the royal family by selling cards through our children's centre."

The Duke of Edinburgh followed a short distance behind, taking to more in the crowd - and spotted Liz Quarmby's WI badge on her lapel.

"He asked if I was from Ipswich," said the 45-year-old from Chestnut Close, Rushmere St Andrew.

Both the Queen and the Duke talked to members of Copleston High School Jazz band, who temporarily hushed their performance to the crowd.

Seventeen-year-old musician Anne Robins said: "The Duke wanted to know whether we were going to start playing again."

Peter Ashton, 16, of Woodville Road, Ipswich, said: "He asked me how I got into the jazz band because the members are mostly girls! I told him I attempt to play the guitar."

The Queen unveiled a plaque to officially open Ipswich Waterfront, then spoke to Dave Copsey from High Beach, Felixstowe, aboard the Thistle barge.

"I've seen them on television all my life but never live - I just can't believe it."

"She wanted to know how where she (the barge) came from and a bit about her history," he said, adding that the barge which dominated the water by the Old Custom House, was built in 1895.

James Cocker, of Lovetofts Drive, Ipswich, also met The Queen and showed her a certificate of his service on HMS Superb, as a 23-year-old at the time of the Coronation.

Then the 20-minute walkabout drew quickly to a close and the royal party were whisked away by car, to a round of applause.