A NEWPORT man went to Buckingham Palace last week for a prestigious garden party, having been recognised for his services to volunteering.

Keith Wood, 74, was among hundreds of people at the event organised by the Royal Family on Tuesday, May 16 .

Mr Wood, of the Bettws, was given the Inspirational Volunteer accolade at the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations awards in November.

The Monnow Way resident is an active volunteer for Newport City Homes, Newport Museum, Newport Mind and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Mr Wood said it was a “wonderful” event.

“It was amazing the amount of people there were at the event,” he said. “The costumes some people were wearing were fabulous.

“We didn’t meet anyone from Newport, but we spoke to some people from Barry.”

Mr Wood said he never had a chance to speak with any member of the Royal Family but that he was two yards away from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

He added: “There was a buffet, which included a selection of royal sandwiches. They were small and delicate, but you could taste the quality.

“There was also a wide selection of cakes which were marvellous.”

The volunteer added he had a chance to speak with an armed police officer .

“I had never seen one before other than in TV,” he said. “I was surprised that he was from Wales.”