A WARM welcome awaits the Queen when she visits Comet country this morning.
The summer sun is shining down as people begin to gather to greet her.
Her Majesty is due to arrive in Hitchin Market Place at 10.45am for a lightning visit before going on to open the new maternity unit at Lister Hospital at 11.15am.
Large crowds are expected at both venues. At 9am, people were walking towards the hospital site and a busload of children were arriving at the North Road entrance.
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