Carol’s by royal appointment

Carol O’Gara works as a cleaner in the kitchens at the Emscote Centre in Warwick for Warwickshire County Council.

She was nominated for the treat by the council to attend the Queen’s garden party because of the valued contribution she makes to the centre which she also uses as a customer.

Carol, who has learning disabilities, toured the magnificent gardens of Buckingham Palace as temperatures in the capital soared and was accompanied by Fiona Capelo Murphy, a community support service officer.

Carol said: “It was really exciting to see the Queen. We had a great day. I’m now looking forward to the Diamond Jubilee.”

Fiona said: “Carol has developed so much independence and confidence through her working role and it was wonderful to see her sparkle at the garden party. It was a great honour to accompany her.”

At least three garden parties are hosted by the Queen every summer at Buckingham Palace as a way of rewarding and recognising public services.

* A Warwick woman who reigns over the kitchens at a centre for adults with learning disabilities downed her apron and donned her hat for a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Carol O’Gara, who has learning disabilities, works as a cleaner for Warwickshire County Council in the kitchens at the Emscote Centre in Warwick.

Carol was nominated by her employers to attend the Queen’s garden party for the valuable contribution she makes to the centre which she also uses as a customer. At least three garden parties are hosted by the Queen every summer at Buckingham Palace as a way of rewarding and recognising public services.

Accompanied by Community Support Service Officer, Fiona Capelo Murphy, Carol toured the magnificent gardens of Buckingham Palace as temperatures in the capital soared.

Carol said: “It was really exciting to see the Queen. We had a great day. I’m now looking forward to the jubilee.”

Fiona Capelo Murphy, Community Support Service Officer for Warwickshire County Council said: “Carol has developed so much independence and confidence through her working role and it was wonderful to see her sparkle at the garden party. It was a great honour to accompany her.”