JOINING the Queen this week in celebrating the 50th anniversary of her Coronation was Ainsworth schoolgirl Emma Slater.

Emma (10), a pupil at Gorsefield County Primary in Radcliffe, attended the celebratory garden party at Buckingham Palace on Monday. (June 2). She is pictured with the commemorative brochure of her big day.

The youngster was one of just 500 children from across the country invited to share in the festivities on the historic day. Her dad, John, is a staff sergeant in the Army and belongs to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SAAFA), a support group for the services.

Mr Slater said: "Emma has special needs and SAAFA encouraged me to put her name forward for an invite. I did and she was chosen." He accompanied her on her unforgettable day, which began at 6.30am with a train trip to London.

"She couldn't wait to go. It was a fantastic day. We were taken through Buckingham Palace and into the gardens. There was ice cream, candy floss and drinks, and music from the Coldstream Guards."

He added: "The Queen walked right next to Emma, who was very awestruck."

The Duke of Edinburgh and the Count and Countess of Wessex also mingled with the crowds and Emma managed to get autographs off ex-Steps star Lisa for herself and her older sister, Sammy (13).

"It was the first Buckingham Palace Garden Party for children for 100 years," said Mr Slater. "At the end of the day all the children were given a commemorative brochure and a party bag."

Although cameras are not allowed at Royal garden parties, Emma has a permanent reminder of the day as her mum videoed the television news which showed Emma eating candy floss next to the Queen!