BRAVE North-East teenager Nicola Henderson is getting ready for her second meeting with the Queen this summer.

Nicola, 19, has Usher's syndrome, which left her deaf from birth and is gradually losing her eyesight.

Despite her disabilities, Nicola has a tremendous zest for living and has so far crammed a Great North Run, an abseil, parachute jump and aircraft wing walk into her life.

To recognise her bravery and her work for charity, Nicola was one of the guests at the Queen's Golden Jubilee lunch, held at the London Guildhall three weeks ago.

Now Nicola, from Blyth, Northumberland, has been invited to another royal occasion, the annual garden party at Buckingham Palace on July 16.

It means a second outing for Nicola's stunning outfit, loaned by Newcastle department store Fenwick.

"We can't believe it, at least she has got the right clothes now," said her mother, Trish Henderson.

Nicola was nominated to attend the palace event by Northumberland County Council, following her achievement in being named Young Citizen of the Year for Blyth Valley.

The charity Usher UK gave Nicola a "person of inspiration" award last year.