VAL and I had the great honour of attending the Queen’s first Buckingham Palace Garden Party of the year and what an amazing time we both had.

The sense of pride and excitement was overwhelming as we left the crowds of tourists and walked through the gates into the grounds.

We then walked through the beautiful rooms of the palace and out again on to the terrace overlooking the stunning lawn and gardens.

I’m not too proud to tell you that I felt quite emotional.

I know lots of people go to such events but I’m just Wayne Devlin from Trafford.

I’m not a politician or community leader, I’m just a working-class man from Urmston who loves to sing and act.

Yet through the encouragement and guidance of my amazing wife, Val, and with the constant support for our charity events from the community here in Trafford, there I was, standing on the lawn of Buckingham Palace, waiting for the Queen to come out!

It was a very surreal experience for me.

We strolled through the stunning gardens that we had seen a few weeks earlier on a television programme with David Attenborough!

Then we went to the food marquees where we were served afternoon tea, with a variety of sandwiches and cakes to choose from. As the sun shone down, we sat in the shade to enjoy our food.

It wasn’t long before people were manoeuvred into lanes and as the National Anthem was played, out on to the balcony walked her majesty the Queen, dressed in a mint green coat and hat.

She was wearing a pair of sunglasses and carried an umbrella in a matching mint green colour.

Her majesty was quickly followed by Prince Edward and Prince Andrew wearing coat and tails complete with top hat, and the Queen’s daughter in law, Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie the Countess of Wessex, dressed in a red dress and matching red fascinator.

They stood for photographs then walked down the lines of people as the two military bands played, much to my delight, a selection of Frank Sinatra classics!

Eventually, the Queen walked past Val and I and we took a quick photograph.

She was so close to us we could have reached out and touched her. I don’t really get star struck, but I stood in awe that our monarch was inches away from me. I felt very proud.

I was surprised how small she looked as she passed by with a smile and a wave for everyone.

As the Queen took her seat for her own afternoon tea, Val and I had another walk around the gardens and took lots of photographs. We even bumped into the Mayor and Mayoress of Trafford there and it was lovely to see them both.

After the Royals had gone back inside the palace, Val and I stayed listening to the bands play which finished off at 6pm with the National Anthem to mark the end of the garden party and we left the palace and back through the gates to the crowds of tourists.

I can honestly say that apart from my own wedding day, that that was the best day of my life.

I loved the whole experience with the etiquette, the dress code and just experiencing a world I never thought I would get the opportunity to see.

I am very grateful to have been invited and I will keep with me the memories of that day forever!

Next week an interview with a familiar face from TV who has a connection with Sale