KENT'S famous rocking horse makers have already celebrated the Royal Jubilee. Twins Marc and Tony Stevenson and third partner Sue Russell presented the Queen with one of their special limited edition masterpieces at a private ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Now this picture of the historic handover of the magnificent traditional dapple grey takes pride of place on the walls of their packed Bethersden showrooms, adorned with photographs of other famous owners of their hand-crafted works of art. Judi Dench, former EastEnder Ross Kemp, former England soccer star Alan Shearer, and champion jockey Frankie Dettori are among the celebrity clients who own their steeds. The Duchess of York brought horses for her little princesses whose smiling faces beam from the walls, and the Sultan of Brunei is another who has commissioned work for the growing company.

But none have matched the thrill of presenting the Queen with one of the 50 models made to commemorate her 50 years on the throne. It was handed over in her stables area known as The Queen's Yard, then taken to the castle dining room where it was admired during lunch. It now has a permanent place in the Queen's drawing room at Windsor. Marc asked to show a clearly delighted Queen a secret compartment in the horse and unlocked it to reveal the hidden pommel that can be fitted to the tack for side-saddle riders.

Back home the Stevensons celebrated with their 20-strong team of craftsmen. They have sold 19 of the jubilee horses, including one to America, at £3,300 plus VAT each. One donated to the International League for the Protection of Horses raised £5,000 at a charity auction.