The Queen is to attend a special service at Chelmsford Cathedral to mark the 50th anniversary of the floods in eastern England in which 300 people died.

Around 119 people died in Essex alone, with Canvey Island and Jaywick particularly badly affected, during the floods which took place on 31 January 1953.

They are said to be the worst peacetime disaster in the history of the county.

It is hoped survivors and those who helped in the rescue and clear-up operations will also be at the service on 31 January 2003.

Anniversary visit

The dramatic floods were caused by a huge storm surge tide in the North Sea, and devastated coastal communities in England and the Netherlands.

Among the worst-hit areas were Norfolk, where about 100 people died, and Suffolk, with more than 40 deaths.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the eastern region immediately after the disaster.

Her 50th anniversary visit will be her first to Essex for several years.