Pair are awarded for their service to the community at separate royal garden parties

TWO Alderney residents saw their service to the community recognised by the Royal Family this month.

Tireless Alderney promoter Ilona Soane-Sands and Meals on Wheels volunteer Dilla Wright, both travelled to Buckingham Palace for separate royal garden parties.

They joined the likes of OBE and MBE holders war veterans, athletes, paralympic athletes and people representing community organisations, to have their volunteer work recognised. Mrs Soane-Sands said she was one of 800 guests at her event, and like everyone else was keen to capture the moment – discreetly – on camera.

Guests are not allowed to take photographs when members of the Royal Family are addressing them or the person immediately next to them, but like everyone else there Mrs Soane-Sands – who can be faithfully relied on to take snaps of nearly every island event – had her iPhone handy.

One of her pictures featured a certain pregnant Royal, looking, she said, 'stunning' in a yellow 60s-style coat.

Mrs Soane-Sands, who is a long-time volunteer with the Alderney Week team, is to be presented with her British Empire Medal for her work next week.

She will be presented with the award at a vin d'honneur in the Anne French Room on Wednesday 19 June by Lieutenant Governor Air Marshal Peter Walker.