TODAY The Evening Star devotes its front page to our own very special tribute to The Queen.As the country's golden jubilee celebrations continue to provide a magical and memorable spring and summer in 2002, we believe the time is right to send our Suffolk thanks to a monarch who is loved and admired both at home and across the world.

TODAY The Evening Star devotes its front page to our own very special tribute to The Queen.

As the country's golden jubilee celebrations continue to provide a magical and memorable spring and summer in 2002, we believe the time is right to send our Suffolk thanks to a monarch who is loved and admired both at home and across the world.

Queen Elizabeth's dedication and devotion to this country is total – her contribution to the wonderful patchwork that is the British way of life is immense.

For many, the British monarchy provides a backbone to our way of life. For some the Royal family and all its traditions are a relic of a distant age.

To the former, we say enjoy the celebrations that have underlined the country's deep and on-going affection for the Queen.

To the latter, we say you have a right to your opinions – but do not deny the incredible service and devotion to duty that Queen Elizabeth has given over the last 50, glorious, years.

In Suffolk, The Queen has always been given a right royal welcome – that's one of the reasons that our county has been chosen for such an important part of the golden jubilee tour, next month.

Tens of thousands of people are gearing up to give Her Majesty a rapturous reception in Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds. Many people are working very hard, right now, to ensure she has a day to remember for the rest of her life.

There is no doubt that the Windsor family has had to endure some moments of great difficulty as change raced upon society in the last few years of the 20th century. Mistakes came in the tragic and complicated saga of Diana, Princess of Wales, but lessons were learned.

Now is the time for thanks and celebration – to a monarch who has become the Mother of the Nation.

It is easy to forget the sadness The Queen has had to endure this year, losing a sister and then a mother in just a few weeks.

But it is a measure of her resolve and huge strength and fortitude that the Queen has come through sorrow – to provide so much pleasure for so many.

Bounding around the country, from one visit to another, would have tested a teenager, never mind someone in their seventies.

Today we say a great big "Thank You, Your Majesty" for all you have done – and all you will continue to do in the years to come.

We Salute You.