A woman from Biggleswade was one of only five volunteers to be chosen by the RSPB to represent the charity at the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations in The Mall on Sunday.

The Comet: The RSPB at the Queens 90th celebrations in The Mall on Sunday. Photos by David TiplingThe RSPB at the Queens 90th celebrations in The Mall on Sunday. Photos by David Tipling (Image: Archant)

The charity has more than 13,000 volunteers throughout the UK, and Jill Shayler – who works at the RSPB headquarters in Sandy – was ‘privileged’ to be invited.

The Comet: The RSPB at the Queens 90th celebrations in The Mall on Sunday. Photos by David TiplingThe RSPB at the Queens 90th celebrations in The Mall on Sunday. Photos by David Tipling (Image: Archant)

“It was a wet but wonderful day,” said Jill. “The sun came out when the royal party appeared.

The Comet: The RSPB at the Queens 90th celebrations in The Mall on Sunday. Photos by David TiplingThe RSPB at the Queens 90th celebrations in The Mall on Sunday. Photos by David Tipling (Image: Archant)

“It was overwhelming and a once in a lifetime experience.

The Comet: The RSPB at the Queens 90th celebrations in The Mall on Sunday. Photos by David TiplingThe RSPB at the Queens 90th celebrations in The Mall on Sunday. Photos by David Tipling (Image: Archant)

“To see the level of organisation was breath-taking – there were around 600 charities there on the day.”

Head of RSPB volunteering Alan Murray said: “What a great way to be able to recognise, thank and reward the fantastic work volunteers like Jill do for us day in day out, and they loved it – despite the rain!”

Back at The Lodge, there was another party in full swing, with the Spring and Artists’ Fair running throughout the day.

The nature reserve was packed with stalls selling all sorts of items.