JCB machines parade in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Parade in London

The five JCB backhoe loaders marched down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace past members of the Royal Family and tens of thousands of cheering spectators lining the route.

The team of operators driving JCB machines expressed their pride and emotion at being involved in the Queen's Tribute, driving machines made during the Queen's Jubilees in 1977, 2002, 2012 and 2022, and a machine made at his coronation in 1953.

Julian Carder, 46, JCB Backhoe Loader Product Marketing Manager, from Uttoxeter, drove a 1977 JCB backhoe, the year of the Queen's Silver Jubilee, a machine which he has restored to its former glory in 2012. He said: "Words are hard to describe what an amazing event we had. The reception the JCB machines received from the crowd was simply amazing. They were waving and cheering us on as we We were driving the machines along the Mall. It was a very moving experience. We are all very proud to have taken part in this fantastic tribute to the Queen".

JCB test site operator Georgina Williams, 30, from Derby, brought the parade of JCB backhoe loaders up to date by driving a hydrogen-powered 2022 model. The machine is currently being developed by JCB as it explores the potential of hydrogen as a ZERO EMISSION alternative to fossil fuels. Georgina said: "The most intense moment came as we walked through Admiralty Arch and admired the scene before us - the flags in The Mall and the tens of thousands of people waving and cheering. It was just amazing, once in a lifetime experience."

Leading the parade was one of the first backhoe loaders ever built by JCB in 1953 - the year of Her Majesty's coronation - driven by Andy McLeod of ABM Plant Hire, Derby. JCB demonstrator Dan Potter, from Rocester, drove another iconic JCB 3CX excavator from 2012 - the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

At the end of the show, the team was led outside the gates of Buckingham Palace with all other attendees to witness the climax of the event - a balcony appearance by Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family.

JCB demonstrator and father-of-two Matt Lucas, 50, from Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, was driving a 2002 JCB backhoe loader, made in the year the Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee. He said: "The moment the Queen stepped onto the balcony was very emotional. The roar of the crowd and the singing of the national anthem outside Buckingham Palace at that moment is something I will never forget. "

Sunday's show was the culmination of celebrations marking 70 years of the Queen's reign. Over 10 people attended and told the story of the monarch's seven-decade reign through music, dance and fashion.