AS we celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday today, prominent figures in Penarth have been sharing their thoughts and memories of our popular monarch.

The town has held various celebration events down the years to mark milestones in her life, and her 63-year reign.

The cliff top beacon was lit to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and around 400 people gathered for a street party hosted by Tabernacle Baptist Church on Plassey Street the same year.

Current Cardiff South and Penarth MP, Stephen Doughty recalled the occasions he had the "honour" to be in her presence and meet her.

He said: "My heartiest congratulations go to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

"It is absolutely right that in this special week we recognise and thank her for what has been a remarkable life of service to the people of this country and to the wider world, especially the Commonwealth.

"I have had the pleasure of being in her presence on a number of occasions."

Mr Doughty recalled his first meeting with The Queen in Canada where he joined a small group of people in welcoming her to Newfoundland.

Since then he has seen her speak at the opening of the Welsh Assembly, state openings of the Houses of Parliament, and been present when she presented the Royal Welsh regiment with their colours at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Penarth town councillor Clive Williams was the recipient of an MBE.

He received his award from Prince Charles, he feels he was better placed than most people to observe the good work The Queen has done in his role working in the environmental department, and on secondment in the investiture.

He said: "It is quite incredible the service she has given and I have total admiration for her.

"Despite a lot of changes over her reign, she is still the captain of the ship. She keeps it all together."

Mr Williams also attended three garden parties at Buckingham Palace in 1987, 2005 and 2007, with The Queen present on two occasions.

He called her willingness to speak to anyone, no matter what background they come from, another "great quality" of hers.