A VOLUNTEER is attending the Prince Charles’ 70th birthday garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Margaret Fox-Baldwin, a volunteer from Durham Samaritans, based in Sutton Street, Durham, is attending the event next Tuesday.

Ms Fox-Baldwin, from Durham, works with other volunteers, listens to people when they call the charity and is also member of the team who work with Low Newton and Durham prisons.

She said: “I feel privileged to be involved in this unique event and am thrilled to be recognised. It is so rewarding being a Samaritan volunteer and giving time to those in need to talk through their concerns.

"The Buckingham Palace garden party will be a lovely celebration of the work of the Samaritans.”

Rosemary Smith, director of the Durham Samaritans said: “There are many very worthy volunteers within the region but Margaret’s nomination was especially for her tireless work with our new volunteers, from the moment they arrive as trainees, right through their training to their first year as new volunteers.

“She is a constant and encouraging presence in their lives and no-one could do more for them. Margaret ensures that everything that needs to be done is done, in her quiet, self-effacing, direct, humorous and practical way.”

The event is being held to celebrate the work of organisations that Prince Charles is a patron to.