CHRISTMAS with the Queen will come under the spotlight when a former royal pastry chef talks at Rawdon Community Library.

Colin Alderson will share his memories of the festive season catering for the Royal Family. Christmas with the Queen at Sandringham and Balmoral is being staged at 7.30pm on Monday, November 25 by Aireborough Civic Society. Admission is free for ACS members, or £4 for non-members.

Spokesman Clive Woods said: “Colin Alderson who was the Queen’s official pastry chef for five years has cooked for many a royal occasion from banquets and parties for hundreds of people, to simple breakfasts for Queen Elizabeth II herself. He has also seen how Christmas happens in the royal household, including Windsor House, Sandringham Palace and on board the Royal Yacht Britannia.”

He added: “Hopefully we shall find out what the Royal Family have for their Christmas dinner and perhaps some of the presents exchanged. “

Patrick Bronte will be the subject of a talk - by Diane Fare of the Bronte Society and Bronte Parsonage Museum - at the library at 2pm on Tuesday, November 26. Tickets cost £4 from the Library in advance or on the door and include refreshments

A library spokeswoman said: “Another talk from Diane - whose previous lectures on Emily and Anne Bronte have proved popular and fascinating - this time on the father of three famous authors, one unhappy son and two more girls who died as children.”