He spoke after he met the Queen and Prince Philip at the East Belfast Mission church - part of their three-day tour of Northern Irelannd.

Hope

"The Queen has visited Northern Ireland many times before, but not, I believe, at a more promising time for the province," said Dr Paisley.

"It seems at last that the days of violence are over and that people are prepared to abide by shared democratic standards."

Armed guard

Her Highness was under heavy armed guard, with armed units on rooftops.

They watched with binoculars as she waved to a Union-flag waving crowd when she arrived with Secretary of State Shaun Woodward.

Also among around 400 guests were DUP MP Peter Robinson, his wife, Iris, and Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers.

Flower girl

The Queen accepted a posy of flowers from six-year-old Erin Dawson at the doors of the church.

Flags bearing pictures of Her Majesty were handed out, bring a carnival atmosphere to the event.

Regeneration

The Queen heard how the heart of the area was to be reborn through an ambitious £20million regeneration programme.

Rev Mason toured the mission with Her Majesty, who also met parents in the mothers' and toddlers'# group.

Prince Philip met with a number of locals who regularly use the Mission Cafe.

Inner East Belfast is home to two of the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland, with poor health ratings.

The £20million in regeneratoin cash is currently going towards a homeless hostel, employment project, youth work and community development for women, single parents and youths.

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