IT is a cliché to ask where has time gone? But I feel that is absolutely the case with the coronation.

Queen Elizabeth II died almost eight months ago and Prince Charles effectively became King immediately. But here we are, just days before the coronation and it all seems to have happened so fast.

Whether that is just because many of us have busy lives and time passes swiftly, or it really does go faster as you get older, the fact a huge state event is about to happen. It has sneaked up on us as something that was ticking over in the background and suddenly can't be ignored.

King Charles III will take on the huge role his mother vacated and the crowning ceremony will be watched by many millions of people world-wide.

Some are stating it is a once-in-a-lifetime event, though this is hardly correct as I know many who remember the one 70 years ago. My own sister was a babe in arms and she and her pram were entered in a best decorated pram pageant. I don't think I was ever told if she won.

While there may not be the same fervour for pageantry this time - and no rush to go out and rent a TV for the occasion - it will still be a memorable event for the majority of us.

I am sure that should he come and visit Craven and the Dales in the near future - as he has many times before - he will be welcomed just as warmly.