'Mini-Queen' visits Chester's Grosvenor Manor Care Centre

Isla Bates, aged three, has been dubbed the 'mini Queen' for her unerring portrayal of the monarch and has visited 10 care homes in the region in the run up to the jubilee. The latest saw her, complete with pink coat, hat and miniature corgi toy, planting a tree as part of The Queen's Green Canopy initiative.

The royal engagement comprised a red carpet arrival for Isla, who was accompanied by her guard of honour, granddad Andrew Fairhurst, veteran of Queens Lancashire Regiment, followed by the national anthem and planting of a tree, leaving a ‘green’ lasting legacy at the 81 bed facility during this special year.

Residents at Grosvenor Manor also participated in a royal art competition with the mini Queen picking her favourite piece.

The planting of the tree for the jubilee is designed to enhance the environment and create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the nation, with the ultimate aim of benefitting future generations.

Isla’s mother, Alex Fairhurst, who works for New Care, comments: "Isla thoroughly enjoyed her day at Grosvenor Manor, and especially loved dressing up as The Queen! It is a real privilege for Isla to be involved in the Platinum Jubilee and by planting the tree she is playing her part in improving the environment and leaving a lasting legacy in Chester."

Anne Hughes, home manager at Grosvenor Manor, said: "The residents were thrilled to have a mini Queen for the day and enjoyed all of the celebrations, from the red carpet arrival for Isla to watching the tree being planted and the art competition. There were smiles all round and the residents still talk about the ‘royal engagement’ at Grosvenor Manor!"

Isla said: "I have loved being a mini-Queen and helping to plant all of the trees. I like waving and making the residents smile."

For further information on New Care homes, who oversee Grosvenor Manor and provide residential, nursing and dementia care, you can call 01244 305330 or visit www.newcarehomes.com.