A Royston crafter has spoken of her delight when she received a letter from Buckingham Palace after she made a gift for Her Majesty.

Inspired by the excitement and fanfare around the Queen’s 90th birthday, Tracy Stressing of Make and Create set about designing a piece of fused glass as a present.

She’d heard that other people had not been contacted when they’d sent things off to Buckingham Palace – so was shocked when she got a reply from the head of state’s very own lady in waiting.

She said: “I was a bit surprised, a lot of people say they don’t get a response. It’s nice that she has.”

The letter read: “Dear Mrs Stressing, The Queen wishes me to thank you for your letter and for your gift of a glass picture you have made for Her Majesty on the occasion of her ninetieth birthday.

“The Queen was very touched you have given her a present and Her Majesty greatly appreciates your thoughtful gesture.

“The Queen sends you her good wishes and I am to thank you, once again, for writing at this time.”

Talking about her passion for art, Tracy, who runs Make and Create workshops in the town, said: “I love working with glass and love making something that will last forever.

“Glass is not an easy material to work with, but I love it.

“I have loved glass ever since my parents had a Murano fish in a window and when the light shone through the window the whole room was filled with colour.

“I love teaching people and have a few workshops coming up in Glazed Creations.”

Tracy’s workshops will be held tomorrow, Friday, then on July 1 and July 8, from 7pm until 9.30pm in the Baldock Street shop.

All courses are £28 per person and bookings can be made via email at makeandcreate@yahoo.co.uk.

Tracy also sells her work at No.3 Royston in Melbourn Street and has a stall every month at Royston Craft Fair.