Nursing auxiliary Cathy Lee had had her longstanding service to the NHS recognised by an exciting visit to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Nursing auxiliary Cathy Lee had had her longstanding service to the NHS recognised by an exciting visit to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Cathy was nominated for an impressive 18 years' service at Honiton Community Hospital after starting her well-earned retirement earlier this year. She was short-listed from a long list of nominations to receive the invitation.

Cathy recalled the day and said: "The first I knew about my nomination was a knock on the door and the postman saying: 'I don't often deliver one of these!' I thought it was a joke and then realised that the invitation to Buckingham palace was genuine.

"I didn't know who'd nominated me until I got into work the next day and told some colleagues who knew about the invitation.

"The garden party was in the afternoon, but we first had to queue and show the right identification. Then, we were led up some red carpet steps and through the biggest hallway I've ever seen to the garden at the back.

"The Queen arrived at 4pm but, unfortunately, I was a bit too far back in the crowd to see her properly. I did see her green hat though!

"I was delighted to be nominated. It's lovely to think that someone thought enough of me to go to such an effort. Although the weather was drizzly, I had a lovely time. I wouldn't have missed the day for the world."

Andrea Toman, lead matron for maternity services for Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT), who nominated Cathy, said: "Cathy has been incredibly dedicated and we were so excited about her award. I think it's great that someone on the front line has been publicly recognised for all their hard work.