NEVER once did it cross Aftab Hussain's mind that he would be invited to Buckingham Palace to enjoy the pomp, splendour and social occasion of a royal garden party.

But he found himself in the grounds of the palace alongside other people who spend their working lives making a difference of others.

He is one of a number of people in Bolton to enjoy the honour of attending a royal garden party this year to recognise the work they do for others.

Today, Cait Smith and veterans from the  Bolton Armed Forces Centre for Veterans CIO will be at Buckingham Palace today for the annual Not Forgotten Association, annual Garden Party.

Mr Hussain was invited to the first royal garden party of the year in recognition of his work in harnessing artificial intelligence to improve the educational experiences of students at Bolton College, where he is the Information Learning Technology Manager.

He was accompanied by his wife Yasmin.

Mr Hussain said: "Being at the garden party is something we will talk about for years and years to come.

"It is a once in a lifetime occasion."

He added: "Prince Charles and his wife Camila and Princess Anne were at the garden party.

"It was a lovely occasion, the weather was lovely, I spoke to other guests who were there and had a walk around the gardens."

Cait and others at the centre spend their days helping veterans who are struggling to adapt to civilian life, helping them overcome any health and practical issues they may have.

They will be two of around 2,500 guests from over 120 military organisations.

Cait, who served in the RAF and the Royal Signals, attended the garden party last year.

She said it was an honour for the centre to be represented in this way.