TIRELESS Gillingham volunteer Anne Kings has received royal approval for her efforts.

Aptly-named Mrs Kings is one of just 500 people across the country who received a Coronation Champion Award, which recognises those who volunteer to improve the lives of those in their community.

Anne has been involved in countless projects, including efforts for the Gillingham Medical Practice Patients Participation Group and the Dementia Friends Group.

She was presented with a special signed award certificate during Gillingham’s coronation celebrations by mayor, Cllr Sharon Cullingford.

And she was also invited to the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert with her guest, Jackie Adams from Top Brass and Wind Concert Band.

Anne and Jackie joined Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla and other award winners at the event.

“When I first received the official looking email to say I had been chosen to receive the King Charles III award, I really thought it might be a scam or something, but this was followed up immediately by a special delivery letter which confirmed it to be true,” said Anne.

“I only knew a week or so before the Coronation, and I was forbidden to tell anyone until the following week.

“Receiving the award from Cllr Sharon Cullingford at our own Coronation Concert was a wonderful surprise; however the icing on the cake for me was when she presented me with yet a second award, her Gillingham Certificate of Appreciation.

“As I said on that evening, and I will repeat it again, everything I have done I have done for Gillingham, so both these very special awards belong to this community.

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“In my wildest dreams I could never have imagined being invited to attend the Coronation Concert in Windsor Castle, but the experience was something that Jackie and I will never forget.

“The concerts we put on every year to raise funds have always been successful due to the many hours of hard work put in by Jackie and her Top Brass & Wind Concert Band, so she was the obvious person for me to take with me as my plus one.”

Cllr Cullingford, who nominated Anne for the award, said: “I am so pleased that Anne has been awarded a Coronation Champion.

“This is a well-deserved recognition of Anne’s outstanding contribution to our community.”