Debbie Gerrans may seem like an ordinary housewife. She sees her two children off to school, kisses her husband goodbye and heads off to do the shopping. But Debbie leads a double life.

In the afternoons, she transforms into Queen Elizabeth I and grandly walks the streets of Oxford.

Oxford-born Debbie, 39, of Acre End, Eynsham, is a freelance tour guide and takes walking tours from The Oxford Story in costume.

Debbie had shown tourists around the city for four years when she had the idea of doing it in costume.

Debbie said: "You can't help but feel rather grand. Elizabeth was quite a hard woman, rude even. So I might have to start being more like her to chase away people who try to tag on without paying.

"I am in awe of her somewhat."

Debbie causes a stir round the quads. People shout "Good afternoon, Your Majesty", traffic stops and college porters lay down their coats for her to walk over.

Thalia Arnold, on her first visit to Oxford from Virginia, USA, said: "She is wonderful. She brings it all to life. The costume adds so much to it."

Debbie's husband, Jonathan, 40, runs a travel agency from their home. When she is not pounding the cobbles, she helps him with the business.

She also keeps busy with Women's Institute meetings, school committees and the children's roller-skate club, the Eynsham Eagles, which her husband coaches.

Jonathan said: "Even when she has Japanese or Russian groups, she manages to give them a good tour.

"People are always trying to catch her out but it is rare that she can't answer a question.

"She is well-suited to the tours but she is just normal at home, getting involved with the school and WI."

Debbie said: "I am just an ordinary mum most of the time, but everyone likes to dress up, don't they?"

The Queen Elizabeth walking tours can be booked through The Oxford Story on 01865 790055.

Story date: Monday 05 April

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