A dedicated civil servant will have the chance to rub shoulders with the royals after being invited to one of The Queen’s Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace.

David Pasfield, 59, of Panfield Lane, Braintree, has worked for the Department for Work and Pensions for 43 years and in the town’s job centre for the past 22 years.

Mr Pasfield is a former governor of John Bunyan Primary School and has been chairman of Braintree Arts Society for more than a decade.

To recognise his service to the town, Mr Pasfield and wife Diane, 49, have been invited to attend the event on Tuesday, May 15, where they will meet thousands of other community stalwarts from across the UK.

“I feel really privileged and honoured to be recognised,” he said.

“I never thought anything like this would happen to me and all of a sudden the invite came through.

“I am looking forward to it, it will be such a interesting day.

“I am looking forward to meeting any members of the royal family and I would like to get close to the Queen.”

Mr Pasfield has held several different roles within what is now the Job Centre, and over the years has helped hundreds of people from all walks of life back into employment.

“It has its frustrations but it gives you a sense of achievement when you help people back into work,” he said.

“I am sure it is why I had the nomination, I am not sure where it came from but it is work based.

“There are some people who need a lot of help, and others who just need a little push in the right direction to boost their confidence.

“I still enjoy the job and it is a real purpose in life. I have always been keen to work in the community and help out if I can.”