Members of a crucial service in Whitchurch have been celebrated after they attended a garden Party at Buckingham Palace last week.

Tony and Eileen Livesey, and Alan and Christine Scutt, managers of the Whitchurch Foodbank, attended the first garden party of the year on Wednesday, May 15

The pairs were recommended for attendance by the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, which resulted in a formal invitation from the Queen sent from the office of The Lord Chamberlain, which the four were delighted with.

"This was a tremendous honour for the four recipients who attended and indeed they were there representing all the volunteers who so freely give of their time at Whitchurch Foodbank," said Alan.

"The day certainly did not disappoint. Beautiful sunshine provided the ideal accompaniment to viewing the 40 acres of Buckingham Palace garden. The Royal party had the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, HRH the Princess Royal and her husband Timothy Laurence.

"Regrettably the Queen was fulfilling other royal duties on this occasion. Two military bands took it in turn to entertain guests during the afternoon and the Royals conducted an informal walkabout.

"Discreet use of a small camera or phone was permitted enabling one to capture the special nature of the experience. With military precision the thousands of guests were served afternoon tea in the refreshment marquee, which provided a choice of sandwiches and cake. All of which were delicious.

"There was even the chance to sample Sandringham apple juice and later in the afternoon individual tubs of ice cream were distributed to guests."

The four have been involved in the inception of the Foodbank since 2013 and have since continued to manage its operations in the time since it first opened its doors.

To date, some 4,700 persons have been fed by the Foodbank with more than 60 tonnes of food having been donated during that same period. Details of the Foodbank operation can be found on the website www.whitchurch.foodbank.org.uk

Alan added: "It is of course a sad reflection on our country that such a facility as a Foodbank is needed in 2019 but it is also encouraging that the totally voluntary workforce of some 40 volunteers are prepared to give their time."

Whitchurch Foodbank is a Churches Together in Whitchurch initiative and is a registered charity, part of the Trussell Trust network.