Coun. Bernard Parfitt's name was drawn out of a hat from parish council nominations nationwide and he and his wife, Marion, enjoyed a two-day stay in the capital.

There were more than 8,000 people at the party on a beautiful sunny day, but the Sabden couple were chosen among a small group for a private audience with the Royal family.

Mrs Parfitt suffers from MS and is confined to a wheelchair and shook hands with the Queen and, with her husband, they were introduced to several members of the Royal family, including the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, the Princess Royal Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchesses of Kent and Gloucester.

Coun. Parfitt, who has served on Sabden Parish Council for more than 30 years, said they were honoured and pleased to have been chosen to attend the event.

"We were taken to one side and were delighted to meet so many members of the Royal family. It was a wonderful, memorable day."

The couple live in Pendleside Close and are involved with many village organisations, including St Nicholas's Church where Mr Parfitt is churchwarden.