THE manager and youth worker from a centre for young people in Abergavenny had a day out with a difference in London after being invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Ange Sampson and Chloe Clarke, from the 7Corners Centre in Seven Corners Lane, were nominated for the honour by the previous Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Sir Simon Boyle.

Manager Ms Sampson, who by her own admission is more comfortable in flat shoes and casual clothes, splashed out on high heels and a posh frock, complete with fascinator.

She said the pair had an amazing day. “It’s fair to say we were blown away by the whole thing – hats, hats, and more hats and amazing shoes," she said.

"Fortunately, I had done a bit of practising for the big day and managed not to fall over in mine, or get stuck in the grass.

“This was afternoon tea on a massive scale – we were told there are around 27,000 cups of tea served on the day.

“The Queen wore mint green and baby pink. I spotted her in the Royal tea tent as I ate a cucumber sandwich, just before family members and her personal guests closed ranks and gathered around her.”

The 7Corners Centre is a place for young people to meet in safety, to relax and get support if needed. There is a café, a chill room, and an IT room, which is free to use with Wi-Fi throughout.

Centre staff and volunteers can help young people to write CVs and to contact potential employers. They can also point centre users towards the relevant service providers to help with things like alcohol and drug addiction, debt advice, homelessness and have on site counselling facilities.