Like many local villages, Selborne grabbed the opportunity to forget the grim and often lonely years of the Covid era and celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with great gusto, including three blazing beacons.

Those posting a letter were welcomed by a charming knitted Queen resplendent in her crown, with an adoring knitted corgi at her side.

The idle on June 3 were woken from their slumbers by a marvellous peel from the bell-ringers of St Mary’s Church, followed during the celebratory service by rousing hymns and the national anthem.

The congregation was rewarded with Pimms on the Plestor, sausage rolls and the first of many cakes to be consumed over the weekend.

June 4 saw the Race Around the Village in search of clues to find the treasure. Teams involving more than 80 energetic souls were scattered over four routes up the Hanger and down the Lythe. Most were fortified by hot dogs, burgers and beer.

On June 5 at the recreation ground, picnic tables groaned with food and drink while dogs and owners in fancy dress paraded alongside the soft-ball rounders. Cars on show included a magnificent Bentley and a 100-year-old Bean, and the cake judges tasted every cake.

A spokesperson said: “A thoroughly good time was had by all – one hoped the monarch did too.”