A MAN who has helped train hundreds of youngsters to play music has been in royal company at the annual Buckingham Palace garden party.

It was the first time Chris Wormald had seen The Queen since the Royals visited Bolton 30 years ago.

Back in 1988, Mr Wormald, who was then head of brass instrumental teaching for the Bolton Education Authority, conducted the brass band that greeted The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, as they arrived for a town visit at Bolton Railway Station.

Mr Wormald said: “The garden party was an amazing day in baking sunshine with 3,000 guests at the Palace. It was an amazing day.”

He retired from teaching in 2015 after 32 years but is still busy conducting the Eagley(Bolton) Band and aother town music ensembles.

Businessman and chairman of Bolton FM Dr Andrew Dickson was also at the garden party along with his wife Pat.

Andrew explained: “The atmosphere was electric and so many people all dressed in a variety of styles but everyone looking really smart.

“I didn't think it was just going to be just us and the Queen chatting about Bolton FM radio and the benefits of community radio but I did not expect us and 7,000 other guests!

“The national anthem ended the day at 6pm and everyone drifted off. It was a fabulous day and a very privileged experience for my wife Pat and myself.”