As Her Majesty now celebrates 70 years on the throne, we have looked back into the archives to find pictures of Preston 20 years ago when it was celebrating being crowned a city, becoming England's 50th city in the 50th year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. There are lots of reasons to love Preston and these pictures show just why it was chosen for that all important city crown. Has much changed over the past 20 years? READ MORE: Queen visits to Preston through the years. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Boat trip on the Manxman. MORE MEMORIES: School days of the past at Fulwood High
. Preston as a city
A reason to love Preston - a glorious image of the sun setting on Preston with St Walburg's and St Mark's church silhouetted Photo: John Hughes
. Preston as a city
Dawn of a new era... head porter at Preston Town Hall, Geoff Ellison, raises the Preston City Bid - this was way back in the year 2000 - a full two years before Preston finally gained her crown Photo: Ian Robinson
. Preston as a city
One of the most iconic images you can capture in Preston - the row of red telephone boxes outside the old Post Office. It is claimed that this is the longest continuous row of old-style red kiosks anywhere in the country Photo: Dave Nelson
. Preston as a city
The Millennium Ribble Link project in Cottam, Preston is an area of beauty and tranquillity in a busy city Photo: Iain Lynn
. Preston as a city
Preston has always looked moody in lamplight at night. Here we see street lighting on Harris Street in Preston city centre which hadn't worked for seven years Photo: Ian Robinson
. Preston as a city
Preston docks was once a bustling hive of activity until it was closed down and turned into a leisure area with various boats moored in the Marina, and housing in the background Photo: Neil Cross
. Preston as a city
You can't mention Preston without referring to Deepdale Stadium, home of the mighty Preston North End Photo: Kevin McGuinness
. Preston as a city
Avenham in Preston has had a chequered past but is home to some fabulous old buildings - including the old St Augustine's Church Photo: Lindsey North
. Preston as a city
Taking a peek at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery from the Obelisk, displaying a PP badge, on the Flag Market Photo: Dave Nelson
. Preston as a city
A close-up view of the architecture of the Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston Photo: Dave Nelson
. Preston as a city
A view of the Sessions House on Harris Street in Preston - an example of just some of the fine architecture found in the city centre Photo: Dave Nelson
. Preston as city
Gates blocking car access to Friargate in Preston - bearing the crest of the city and celebrating the Guild 92 Photo: Dave Nelson
. Preston as a city
The Harris Museum and Art Gallery looks fabulous lit up by the old fashioned lamps at night Photo: Kevin McGuinness
. Preston as a city
A hark back to the importance of Preston during the cotton mill era - Horrockses Mill on New Hall Lane in Preston Photo: Ian Robinson
1. Preston as a city
Dawn of a new era... head porter at Preston Town Hall, Geoff Ellison, raises the Preston City Bid - this was way back in the year 2000 - a full two years before Preston finally gained her crown Photo: Ian Robinson
2. Preston as a city
One of the most iconic images you can capture in Preston - the row of red telephone boxes outside the old Post Office. It is claimed that this is the longest continuous row of old-style red kiosks anywhere in the country Photo: Dave Nelson
3. Preston as a city
The Millennium Ribble Link project in Cottam, Preston is an area of beauty and tranquillity in a busy city Photo: Iain Lynn
4. Preston as a city
Preston has always looked moody in lamplight at night. Here we see street lighting on Harris Street in Preston city centre which hadn't worked for seven years Photo: Ian Robinson