At the age of 60 I still remember 1952 as the best and probably the richest year of my life.

I was 10 and in spite of getting only 6d a week in pocket money I was more than contented.

I had a gold Dinky model of the Coronation coach and a Commemorative Crown worth 5/- (about £4.50 today)."

Welcome home

But, more importantly, at the end of May, I was discharged from Frenchay hospital after two (thankfully successful) brain operations.

No wonder I was so excited. Everest had been conquered; the Queen was on her way to Westminster and I (still bald and bandaged) was back in my home town of Yeovil.

There was balloons, bunting, Union Jacks and a 'Welcome home' banner hung out in celebration.

Best of all were the street parties - and what a party ours was.

Imagine how I felt - home at last with all the lemonade flowing, enough cakes to feed an army and the whole nation rejoicing - all for the newly-crowned Queen and for me!

Toy collector and trader Andrew Reed says that if Alan had managed to hold on to the carriage, and kept it in mint condition, it would be worth as much as £600 today.