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Royal garden party experience 'will last forever'

Charlie O'Loughlin
BBC News
Emily Griffin A lady is smiling at the camera. She is smartly dressed in a cream blazer with navy flowering detailing, and also has a matching cream fascinator on her head. She is stood in front of lush greenery of trees, hedges and a well-manicured lawn.Emily Griffin
Emily Griffin was nominated by her colleagues at St Richard's Voluntary Catholic Academy in Hull

Two "community champions" from Hull have been recognised for their work as they joined the royals for a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the event on Wednesday recognised and acknowledged contributions by those in local communities across the country.

Among those attending was Emily Griffin, safeguarding lead at St Richard's Voluntary Catholic Academy, and Capt Roger Vine, supply teaching assistant at Frederick Holmes School.

"To be a part of the pomp and ceremony will be a memory that lasts forever," Ms Griffin said.

Emily Griffin Two ladies are smiling at the camera. They are dressed smartly with fascinators on - the lady on the left in white with a white headpiece, and the lady on the right in blue with a blue headpiece. They are stood in front of a grand building, and in the background there are lots of people stood on the grass.Emily Griffin
Emily Griffin attended the palace with her mum on Wednesday

Ms Griffin, who was nominated by her colleagues, has worked at the school for 31 years and was inspired by her grandad, who won the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his services to education.

Rachel McEvoy, chief executive of St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Academy Trust, which runs St Richard's, said Ms Griffin had an "unwavering dedication to the children and families of her community".

She said: "Emily goes above and beyond every day to ensure the safety, wellbeing and future of those she serves.

"She embodies what it means to be a true champion for children and families."

Ms Griffin described the day as a "fabulous experience, soaking up the atmosphere of the military brass band and people dressed in their finery".

Roger Vine A man is seen smiling directly at the camera. He is wearing a beige suit with a blue striped tie. He has silver thin glasses and is seen to be pointed at something off camera.Roger Vine
Capt Roger Vine says he will hold the whole experience "dear to him"

Capt Vine joined the staff at Frederick Holmes in 2004 after taking a step back from the Merchant Navy.

He referred to the school as his "happy place", and that he had "no plans to put my feet up just yet".

Posting on social media, Frederick Holmes School called him their "very own community champion".

"He's received a prestigious invitation to the royal garden party, and wow, does he deserve it," the school said.

"Through rain or shine, Roger has been our go-to helper extraordinaire. Roger's dedication has been truly royal-worthy."

Roger Vine A male and female are taking a selfie - they are both smiling directly at the camera. The woman is blonde, wearing large tortoiseshell sunglasses and a pink fascinator. The male is bald, wearing thin silver glasses and a beige suit jacket with a blue shirt and navy tie.Roger Vine
Capt Roger Vine and his daughter were among the prestigious guest list

Capt Vine previously told BBC Radio Humberside he almost missed the phone call inviting him to the palace.

He said: "I don't take phone calls at school, so I cancelled it and later in the evening I thought 'I wonder who that was?'

"So I rang the number and the lady answered. I thought 'this is a wind up'."

Reflecting on the day, Capt Vine said: "It was wonderful and it was an experience I will hold dear."

Emily Griffin Six beefeaters are seen amongst a crowd of people all smartly dressed. They are in bright red and gold clothing, with staffs adorned with a gold tassel in their hands. They wear black hats, with red, white and blue flowers around the rim. A man with a pink hat and a cream dress is seen in the middle.Emily Griffin
Two more royal garden parties will take place this year

All those invited to the garden were involved in education and skills.

Traditionally, there are three held each year - two at Buckingham Palace and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.

They are held to give the royals a chance to meet people who have made a positive impact in their community.

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