A SEATON boy who built his very own country in the back garden was over the moon when the Queen replied to his letter.

Alexander Gallacher, nine, of Lingbeck Park, built a den and a camp in his auntie and uncle’s field, behind their home in Low Seaton.

He even designed a flag and symbol for his country, which he named The Great Nation.

Mum Jane Timney said: “He’s really into army stuff and he loves dressing up. I didn’t think we’d get an answer, in the letter he explained he made his own country and asked if she would want to be an ally.”

The boy sent the letter around four weeks ago and Jane said she was really surprised to see an envelope with the Royal seal being delivered to their home on Tuesday.

She said: “As soon as I saw the royal seal, I knew what it was. The letter arrived just as he left for school so I had to wait all day before telling him - it was a long day.

“I was so excited and I didn’t really expect a reply. Alexander was so chuffed, he took the letter to school for show and tell.”

The Queen told the Seaton Junior School pupil she loved the design of his flag.

Jane said: “She also sent a couple of postcard-type photos, Alexander was really excited, he loved seeing the letter.”