INTERNATIONAL rugby stars Neil Jenkins, Leigh Halfpenny and Stephen Jones are set to give The Queen a thoroughly Welsh welcome to Powys this week.

Wales players Jones and Halfpenny, and Wales kicking coach Jenkins are coming to Diamonds in the Park, a free family day out that will also welcome Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh to Glanusk Park at Crickhowell tomorrow (Friday).

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny made his debut for Wales in 2008, while Stephen Jones is the second-highest points scorer in Welsh international rugby history behind Welsh kicking legend Neil Jenkins, who is also attending.

The trio, who most recently helped Wales to Grand Slam success in the Six Nations, will also meet visitors face-to-face and stage a sporting master-class at the event, which forms part of a national programme marking the Queen's 60th year as monarch.

Lord Lieutenant of Powys, The Honourable Shan Legge Bourke, is hosting Diamonds in the Park and is delighted to have the sporting stars on side.

"Being a Welsh rugby fanatic, I am thrilled that Neil, Stephen and Leigh are able to come and demonstrate their rugby skills to the future generations of Welsh rugby players in Powys," Mrs Legge Bourke said.

Together all three and a range of local organisations will help make the Queen's visit to Powys a day to remember.

Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service and Brecon Mountain Rescue Team will also stage a daring and dynamic display involving a river rescue, firearms and police dogs.

Chief Superintendent Steve Hughson said, "Diamonds in the Park will be an excellent day, open to all, and everybody should make an effort to attend in support of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and hopefully see her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh in person." 

Activities including fly-fishing and sports demonstrations, forestry displays, cake-making and storytelling sessions will take place between 10.30am and 4pm.

Visitors can access the park entrance, which lies at the South Lodge entrance off the B4558 Cwm Cranon Road between Llangattock and Llangynidr, throughout the day and should bring their own picnic.

For more information on the event visit the web site glanuskestate.com.

The Queen will also be pay her first ever visit to Ebbw Vale during her time in Gwent when she will join some 350 local people for a service at the town's Christ Church.

After the service the royal couple will meet local residents and pupils from Willowtown and Briery Hill Primary Schools.