WHEN I first started at the Banbury Guardian nearly three years ago, I never imagined I would be invited to a reception with the Queen.

I knew journalism brought perks but I thought they would vary between interviewing the odd celebrity and being given the occasional freebie.

So when I received an invitation to attend the official opening of Agnes Court with Her Majesty, I was elated and honoured to say the least.

After all, things like this do not tend to happen to people like me, an average girl from Banbury who was born and raised in the town.

But the invitation arrived and after trawling the shops for a dress fit for the Queen, I staggered in my high heels to Agnes Court to attend its official opening.

It was difficult to describe the emotions I felt as I joined the other privileged guests in waiting for Her Majesty.

Aside from the obvious pride and honour at being invited, there was a feeling of entering the unknown. For me, the closest I have come to encountering royal company is drinking Greene King at the weekend. So to be in the presence of the Queen of England was completely new and astounding.

Inside the building, as we awaited her arrival, we watched the crowds outside grow and mingled with strangers, all linked by their passion for Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Residents, staff, volunteers and supporters, all anxiously chatting and preparing for the special visit which would signify the culmination of years of hard work.

Two years ago, I did a skydive for Leonard Cheshire Disability and for me, that was my first interaction with the charity. I am ashamed to admit although I had heard of Leonard Cheshire, my involvement had been limited and it was through the Banbury Guardian I have became an impassioned supporter.

I took over the role of reporter covering Leonard Cheshire Disability and became closely involved in publicising their dream to leave Greenhill House in Adderbury to a flagship home in Banbury.

This dream became a reality in 2007 after years of hard work to raise funds for the relocation, including outdoor concerts at Broughton Castle and the first Dress Down Banbury, successfully introduced by the Banbury Guardian last year.

Back then, as I wrote countless stories of people lending their support, I never imagined it would end with me watching the Queen officially opening Agnes Court.

On her arrival, guests shuffled into their official positions, smoothing down their clothes and pasting smiles across their faces. I stood with a group near the entrance and as we watched her walk in, the true reality of the hard work involved hit home.

Several times during her tour of the home the Queen walked within inches of me, making eye contact, nodding and smiling. Although a small gesture, it is something I will never forget.

Neither will I forget watching the faces of those closely involved with the charity as Her Majesty unveiled the plaque. It was truly touching but it is difficult to truly appreciate the real significance of what it meant to the residents and their families - the people who have
lived their lives for this moment.

In all, it was an absolute honour and privilege to have been invited and I will never be able to thank those involved enough for making it happen. To me, seeing the Queen was a once-in-a-lifetime experience but it was made all the more unforgettable by the circumstances and success stories surrounding it.