WHILE billions across the world tuned in to watch the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II, one young woman from Chester played a central role in proceedings.

Molly Ellis, a Royal Navy engineering technician, was selected as part of the State Gun Carriage crew which carried the Queen's coffin during the procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch. The 21-year-old said that she had been "excited" to take part saying that it was a "once in a lifetime opportunity."

The Queen's coffin, topped with the Royal Standard, the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and sceptre, was at the centre of the procession. The carriage was last seen in 1979 for the funeral of Prince Philip's uncle, Lord Mountbatten, and was used for the Queen's father, George VI, in 1952.

Speaking to The Standard, Molly said: "The whole world was watching, I had my blinkers on but there was an amazing energy.

"It was amazing how many people were there, but it remained so quiet."

The coffin was later transferred to the State Hearse, to begin the road journey to Windsor.

Molly's previous employers, Fish and Chips at Weston Grove, took to social media to express their pride.

In a Facebook post, the Chester restaurant said: "A very proud moment for the WG family today. One of our fabulous, previous team members Molly Ellis will be playing a major role in the ceremony today. Molly who is now a leading air engineer technician in the Royal Navy will be Carrying the State Gun Carriage at the Queen’s funeral today. She will be one of the first woman ever to do this! Well done Molly."

Several people commented on the widely shared post, with one user saying: "Well done Molly, Chester is proud of you." Another commented: "I've just seen her being interviewed, incredible."

Molly added: "My phone has blown up and there's hundreds of messages to reply to. I'm still getting through them all."

After the pressure and excitement of taking part in such a significant day for the country, she concluded: "We'll celebrate in the good old fashioned Navy way, with port, a good old toast to the Queen."