Two dedicated hospice volunteers were “delighted” this week as their hard work was honoured by the Queen herself.

Margaret Pomfrett and Gill Richardson, both from North Weald, were invited to the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday (May 24).

They were invited in recognition of their service to St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood, which provides care and support for people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses.

Chauffeured to the palace by limousine – provided by a local hospice supporter – the hardworking pair rubbed shoulders with royalty and enjoyed afternoon tea.

Ms Pomfrett has volunteered for St Clare for more than 20 years, holding a variety of roles.

She said: “It is amazing to have seen St Clare’s grow over the years.

“I remember when the hospice first started out in the old farmhouse building – and now they help more than 1,500 people every single year.

“Being a local resident I know first hand of the fantastic care that St Clare provides to people in our community at one of life’s hardest moments.

“It is a privilege to be part of that care.”

After starting as a volunteer street collector, Ms Pomfrett helped with the St Clare lottery, collects money in Ongar High Street and has worked as a voluntary receptionist for the last decade.

Ms Pomfrett said she was “so delighted” to go to the Queen’s party, especially in the year the monarch celebrates her 90th birthday.

Retired nurse Gill Richardson has volunteered at the hospice for more than a decade, mainly driving patients and family members to therapy groups in Hastingwood.

For Ms Richardson, the trip to London was not her first time meeting the Windsors.

She said: “I met Princess Margaret years ago when I was working on the wards in St Bart’s Hospital, so I have a bit of practice of meeting royalty.”

Derek Oakley, who works for funeral directors Daniel Robinson, volunteered his services as a limousine driver.

Chris Crump, St Clare’s voluntary services manager, said: “The volunteers say that tourists think it is the Queen herself arriving when they step out of the car.

“It is so lovely for them, and our volunteers really deserve to be spoilt on such a special day.”