Looking back on Prince Philip's visits to St Helens over the years

(Above) the Duke of Edinburgh is pictured stopping for a natter with Fred Matthias and players of St Helens Concert Band who greeted the Duke and Queen Elizabeth with a tuneful fanfare to the new Aromatic Garden for the Blind in Queen’s Park.

The royal couple were in St Helens as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations in June 1977.

Later the Queen planted a silver birch tree in the park. Can any Star reader tell us if the tree is still there?

Meanwhile, this picture dates from 1 June, 1972 when Prince Philip was accompanied on a tour of Grange Park Secondary School.

On a tour of Grange Park Secondary School.

On the picture he is joined by the St Helens Director of Education, WH Cubitt.

The purpose of his visit was to look at the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme activities being carried out by youngsters from St Helens, Wigan and Warrington.

He was at the school for an hour, before leaving via helicopter for Speke Airport.

These pictures are from a visit to St Helens and Knowsley, believed to be in the early noughties, to two local attractions.

During a visit to Knowsley Safari Park

Arriving at the safari park

Unveiling a new guest at the safari park

The Duke was given a walk on the wildside at Knowsley Safari Park and a tour of the World of Glass museum at Chalon Way, St Helens.

Taking a tour of the glass museum

Chatting to children at the World of Glass

A presentation with a youngster at the glass museum

At the World of Glass St Helens

If the pictures bring back any memories, or if you have any images taken during Prince Philip's visit, get in touch by emailing news@sthelensstar.co.uk