A MENTAL health campaigner rubbed shoulders with royalty during a Buckingham Palace reception hosted by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Wendy Minhinnett was invited to the event on World Mental Health Day in recognition of her contribution to the mental health sector, as a member of an NHS England expert reference group.

The mother-of-one from Spennymoor said: "I feel so honoured to have been there and still find it hard to believe it happened. To be among all those people and organisations who are doing such fantastic work in mental health was just incredible.

"I actually got to have a conversation with Kate about my experiences and the importance of supporting and listening to parents. She talked about her own worries about getting it 'right' as a mum and said supporting parents is one of the areas their work will be concentrating on in future, which was fantastic to hear."

In the same week, the Rollercoaster parent'carer support group she founded was highly commended in the specialist service, co-production and innovation in CAMHS/CYPMH categories of the National Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards.

She said the week reinforced her desire to do more to support children, young people and families experiencing mental health difficulties.