Two long serving representatives of the Walking Bus network in the county have been selected to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace hosted by The Queen.

Henri Harrington, co-ordinator of the St Augustine's scheme, Tunbridge Wells, and Teresa Curteis, a trustee of the walk to school charity, are to attend the garden party at the palace today.

The honour was given to the Kent Messenger Group inspired charity following Her Majesty's decision to present it with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service three years ago.

Representatives of charities receiving the award since its creation have been invited to attend a function so the royal family can catch up with how the causes have developed and progressed.

Charity chairman Simon Dolby selected Mrs Harrington because her Walking Bus was a top winner at the KM Walk to School Awards in November and Teresa Curteis because of long service and dedication to the charity over the last eight years as a member of its management committee.

Mrs Harrington said: "It is very humbling to be asked to represent such a wonderful body of volunteers. Although anyone who is on a Walking Bus knows how rewarding and fun our experiences can be, I am aware that there are volunteers who overcome enormous physical, social and emotional hurdles to work for the Walking Bus. Sometimes we are unaware of the personal sacrifice people make to be there.

"The support we get from all our generous donors makes all of them an integral part of our Walking Bus scheme. Otherwise I don't know where we would be, and where would we be without Simon pulling all the strands together? So I feel everyone involved can be proud that the Walking Bus scheme has been recognised by Her Majesty's Volunteer Awards. I feel very privileged to be allowed to represent all these people."

Miss Curteis said: "I am honoured to attend the reception at Buckingham Palace on behalf of the Kent and Medway Walking Bus Group."