Hillingdon celebrates 60 years as a London borough

The London borough of Hillingdon is celebrating 60 years since its formation.

To mark the diamond jubilee milestone, events have been announced over the coming months, including a celebratory community picnic, a treasure hunt, a travelling exhibition of the borough's history and various children's activities.

Residents are being asked to record their memories of the borough, to be kept for future generations to read.

Hillingdon formally became a London borough on 1 April1965, following the merging of the Borough of Uxbridge and the urban districts of Hayes and Harlington, Ruislip-Northwood, Yiewsley and West Drayton.

The jubilee celebrations will begin with a special service at St Margaret's Church in Uxbridge on Sunday 6 April, for invited guests.

Over the following weeks, residents will be asked to record their memories of the borough, which can be submitted at local libraries during the "Reminiscence Roadshow". The stories will be used to create an commemorative exhibition.

The borough's libraries will also host a travelling exhibition highlighting the borough's history.

Children can take part in events to learn about the borough's history, including an opportunity to design their own food packaging to celebrate the heritage of Nestle and Heinz in the borough.

Last year, the council invested £1m to upgrade five parks as part of the celebrations. More upgrades are planned this year.

Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's cabinet member for community and environment, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our brilliant borough, its history and its residents.

"We hope this celebration brings communities together to share memories, look to the future and champion the brilliant borough we all live in."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]