A ROYAL flower arranger says that receiving her MBE from Prince William was "like a dream".

Gillian Platt was named on this year's New Year Honours List for her services to floral art and the community in Bolton, and received her MBE at Buckingham Palace on Friday.

The 72-year-old has done arrangements for special royal occasions including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, her Golden Wedding and the Nelson Mandela memorial service, and has served as chairman and president of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies.

Mrs Platt, of New Heys Way, Bradshaw, said: "I was so happy that it was Prince William. I have met the Queen, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward before, so it was lovely to meet him.

"It was like a dream, it was such a surreal day. Prince William was so nice and he talked to me about the times I had done the flower arrangements for other royal occasions."

Mrs Platt, who was a magistrate at Bolton Magistrates’ Court for 32 years, shared her special day with husband Michael Platt, daughter Melanie Williamson and granddaughter Charlotte Joanna Williamson.

She is also involved with Harwood Methodist Church, helps run the youth group of Bolton Floral Art Society, and invites groups of lonely OAPs into her home for demonstrations.

She added: "There were a lot of recipients from the North, which I thought was a nice thing for him Prince William to comment on.

"He also asked what my involvement was in the community, so I told him about being a magistrate and being active at Harwood Methodist Church.

"Afterwards, one of the staff said that they had never seen him talk for so long to all the recipients, which was lovely to know.

"I was really overcome by the whole experience. It was just a wonderful day and to have my family there with me made it even more special."