People born on the day Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952 are being given the chance to attend a special Buckingham Palace garden party.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will hold the event on Tuesday, July 9, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Invitations to the party will be distributed on a pro rata basis between counties.

Ballots will be held locally to achieve the fairest possible spread throughout the country.

Successful applicants will be able to take one companion with them.

Anyone born on February 6, 1952 -- the day that the Queen acceded to the throne -- who wants to be entered into the ballot for an invitation should write to: Accession Day Ballot, Oxfordshire Lieutenancy Office, County Hall, Oxford OX1 1ND.

Applications, which must be received by Friday, February 1, must include a copy of the applicants' birth certificate, and their name, address and daytime phone number.