IT WON’T only be the Queen who is celebrating this Diamond Jubilee, because residents at a local care home are having their life-long wishes granted in celebration of the event.

Every resident at Ridgeway House in Royal Wootton Bassett has been offered a ‘diamond wish’ to coincide with the Jubilee and get them in the celebratory mood.

The first to have her dream come true was Val Curtis, 79, who got to ride in the cab of a lorry – something she has always wanted to do.

Val was accompanied by her husband Ted and two staff members from Ridgeway House. Her ride took place last Thursday at Downtons Transport in Gloucester.

Her visit started by meeting Kate Downton, managing director of Downtons, and Andy Johnson, Downtons’ training officer, then on to a photo-shoot in the cab of the lorry.

She then took a ride around, lasting about 40 minutes.

A spokesman for the home said: “We have all sorts of requests from a simple cream tea and vase of roses to lorry driving, pillion passenger on a motorbike and a hot air balloon ride.

“We are attempting to fulfil as many wishes as possible.”

The town will also be marking the jubilee with festivities over the Bank Holiday weekend. For details on what is taking place, go online at www.woottonbassetttowncouncil.

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