TEN dedicated Halton volunteers were among guests honoured by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

They were invited to a garden party to recognise their work in the local community.

Crusading disability champion Bob Bryant, from Claremont Road, Runcorn, runs Halton’s Let’s Go Stroke Club.

Bob, aged 67, who received the BEM, said: “It was a wonderful day. Everyone in wheelchairs was presented to the Queen. We met the royal family. They all spoke to us. It was a day I will treasure for the rest of my life.”

Engineering manager Stan Potter, aged 60, from Halton View, has been commanding officer of Widnes 310 Squadron air cadets for 23 years.

He said: “It really was a pleasure to be there. The Queen came out with Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince Edward and Sophie.

“I was particularly pleased to have my wife, Marie with me because over the years she has had to put up with me being away.”

Customer care manager Pam Barker, aged 63, from Weston Village, has volunteered with the scouts for 30 years.

She said: “The whole thing was absolutely fabulous. We had a wonderful time. I was honoured to be there. It was like a fairytale.

“I felt like a lady all dressed up in my posh frock and big hat and the tea was beautiful.”

Stan and Pam work at The Heath in Runcorn.

Three Widnes sisters who set up a social club for adults with learning disabilities loved every minute.

June Roberts, aged 64, from Highfield Road, Tricia Hayes, aged 69, from Tennyson Road and Mary Attwood, aged 67, from Lytham Road, received the Queen’s award for voluntary service.

Mary said: “It was absolutely brilliant. We walked through Buckingham Palace to the gardens. Everything was done to perfection.

“The Queen walked through. It was marvellous to be there.”

Hale parish council chairman Clr Colin Rowan, who volunteers with various groups and organisations, and his wife, Ruth, a volunteer with Victim Support, spoke to the royal family.

Clr Rowan, from Aylsham Close, said: “It was gorgeous. We thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Halton’s new Mayor and Mayoress, Clr Shaun Osborne and his wife, Della were also guests.