SHE was dubbed the queen of consumer journalism by millions of fans.

Now former That's Life star Esther Rantzen has paid tribute to a real royal - by helping a Hampshire school to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Netley Marsh Infant School decided to mark the Jubilee by creating a "learning garden" in which pupils can watch nature at work.

The garden, complete with seats and paths, has been dug, planted and fenced by a team led by parent and keen gardener Alison Hammond.

School association chairman Kevin Littleton recalled that things began to move in January after headteacher Judith Parish outlined her hopes for the project.

Mr Littleton said: "Now it has been completed, the children will be able to plant, watch things grow and see how the food they eat is produced."

Esther, 61, was surrounded by fans when she arrived at the school to open the garden.

Her Childline activities won praise from Robert Giddings, chairman of the school governors, who spoke of her hard work in trying to help children in trouble.

Esther praised the garden project and added: "Maybe I can come back in a year or two's time when it will be even bigger."

The presenter has a weekend home at nearby Bramshaw, which she shared with husband Desmond Wilcox until his death in 2000.

That's Life, which featured a mix of consumer issues and curiosities such as performing pets, started in 1973 and ran for 21 years. In its heyday it attracted 18 million viewers.

What celebrations are you holding for the Queen's Golden Jubilee? Let us know by ringing the newsdesk on 023 8042 4519.