Barking councillor Darren Rodwell, 41 has been invited to the Queen’s garden party in recognition of his community work.

It was also the 41-year-old’s commitment to serving the borough that managed to land him the once in a lifetime invite to Buckingham Palace on July 19.

Cllr Rodwell told the Post that he feels it’s a massive achievement and honour to be asked to go and is ecstatic but extremely nervous about the big day.

The Alibon ward councillor, who lives in Reede Road, said: “I was overjoyed when I got the call from my wife who had opened the letter. I told everyone in work and all my family”

When asked what he was going to say to the Queen, he said: “I’ll probably be to stage struck to even talk, and I haven’t really thought that far ahead yet ”

Darren’s wife will be his plus one and will accompany on the special trip and they both look forward to potentially meeting members of the royal family.