A DAWLISH couple who have been stalwarts of the local community were guests at a Buckingham Palace Garden party just days ahead of the Coronation.
Former Mayor John Petherick and his wife Linda, both of whom have served as town and district councillors, were invited to the palace as part of the Royal Family’s celebration of community champions.
The couple were in the company of King Charles and Queen Camilla along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Linda said: ‘It was a great experience.’
The invitation was in recognition for their work in the community.
Retired serviceman John is a long-standing member of Dawlish Rotary and Linda was the driving force behind the new play park in Manor Gardens while a serving councillor.
They attended the first of this summer’s Buckingham Palace garden parties, hosted by the King and Queen.
Also in attendance were the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.
The event was to celebration the Coronation and organised by the Royal Voluntary Service which launched thew Community Champion Awards to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country.
The Pethericks were among 500 volunteers selected as the nation’s Coronation Champions who were invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations.