A pensioner who has dedicated his life to charitable work has a date with the Queen next week. Ken Lynch, chairman of the Biggleswade and District Pensioners Association and organiser of the Biggleswade Three Style Skateboard Association, will attend a B

A pensioner who has dedicated his life to charitable work has a date with the Queen next week.

Ken Lynch, chairman of the Biggleswade and District Pensioners' Association and organiser of the Biggleswade Three Style Skateboard Association, will attend a Buckingham Palace garden party on July 11 with his wife Audrey.

Mr Lynch, 68, who has lived at his home in Pyms Way, Sandy, for the past 39 years, received the invitation last week and says he is honoured and proud to be attending the palace party.

A staunch supporter of many youth projects in Sandy and Biggleswade and campaigner for pensioners, Mr Lynch said he was shocked and overcome when he received the invitation.

"You read about people going to parties at Buckingham Palace but never think that one day you will be walking in the Queen's garden by special invitation," said Mr Lynch who was responsible for the building of the skateparks in Biggleswade and Sandy.

"I just hope we get a chance to see the Queen. But being there has meant I have had to go out and buy a suit. The last one I bought cost me £1.50 at a car boot sale years ago. I have had no need to wear one for years up until now.

"It is a great honour to be invited and have all my charity work recognised."

It will be the longest trip the couple have made since Audrey, 70, was taken ill earlier in the year. She can now only get around in a wheelchair.

"Audrey is thrilled as well. A friend is driving us there because Audrey cannot travel on trains with her disability and it will be a wonderful day out after all the problems we have had at home since Christmas," added Mr Lynch.