A QUARTER of a century of loyal service has earned a primary school secretary an invitation to a Buckingham Palace garden party.

Margaret Thompson works at St Godric's RC Primary School, in Newton Hall, Durham.

The dedicated secretary received her royal invite among cards and other mail on her recent 60th birthday.

It came after the school nominated her to the Department for Education and Science.

Headteacher Christine Coxon said: "She's just a lovely, hard-working, amazing contributor to the school. She seems to know everyone at the school, and all the children's families, as well as having all the qualities you want in a secretary."

Mrs Thompson said she was thrilled to receive the invitation, which she and her husband, Derick, will take up later in the month.

"I was in floods of tears when it came in the post on my birthday.

"I don't know if I deserve it, but I'm really honoured.

"Apparently there will be more than 1,000 people at the party with various members of the Royal family present, and we're permitted to look round the gardens."

Mrs Thompson said she regarded it as a privilege to work at the school.

The invite will allow her a second chance to wear the hat she bought for the wedding of her second daughter, Jane, earlier this year.