I was there when King George V arrived and Bognor became centre of the empire

Mary Boyce was eight at the time of that historic day of February 9, 1929.

She said: "I stood on Gordon Avenue, probably with my parents, and the King was leaning back on his pillow in the ambulance.

"He moved slowly down Gordon Avenue and we waved to him.

"When he and Queen Mary left Bognor, all the schoolchildren went on to the promenade to see them drive past. We waved to them when we saw them."

That was on May 15. The intervening 13 weeks had placed Bognor at the centre of the empire.

Queen Mary was frequently seen around the Bognor area in her car or walking. Mrs Boyce said she attended different churches for Sunday services during her stay.

She also went shopping in the town '“ most famously at Woolworths where she and her assistants searched for trinkets.

The King's condition improved and he became more active during that April.

He was visited by a succession of members of the Royal Family. Former Lyon Street School pupil Mrs Boyce (88), now living in Trowbridge in Wiltshire, stated: "There were many dukes and duchesses who came to Bognor.

"They arrived by train and we occasionally used to see them at the railway station.

"Even though I was young, I was aware of the significance of the King's visit. It was an event in our young lives to see him. It's not every day you were able to see the King in Bognor.

"We always learnt about the royal family and their history in those days.

"There was a great respect for the royals then. More so than there is today."

Footage from the King's visit features on the Sussex on Film DVD.

It shows the royal cavalcade receiving the cheers of the vast crowds along the seafront as it made its way to Windsor at the end of the stay.

In one iconic scene, a lone policeman on a grey horse supervises the flag-waving locals in front of the Royal Norfolk Hotel.

Newsreel cameramen are also seen taking their pictures as Canon Sacre, the chairman of the urban district council, said his farewells to the King.

The visit earned Bognor the title 'Regis' and the publicity sparked a boom in tourism.

Sussex on Film is available at 15 (plus 1.50 p&p) from West Sussex Record Office, County Hall, Chichester, PO19 1RN, and from all major libraries in West Sussex.

It can also be bought via the E-Shop on the West Sussex County Council website.

Further details from 01243 753602 or email [email protected]

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