RUTH Rigg, the Women's Institute Cumbria Westmorland Federation chairman, was a guest at a Royal garden party for the second year running.

Normally a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Ms Rigg took the opportunity to attend last Thursday's event along with five other Federation chairmen and two members of the WI National Board of Trustees.

Each year WI Federation chairmen are invited to have their names put forward for a chance to attend the prestigious event.

"I was fortunate to be one chosen even though I had been last year when the WI was given a garden party of its own as part of its 100 year celebrations," said Ms Rigg, of Old Hutton, near Kendal.

"It was amazing to see so many Royal's there. The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, Princess Anne, Princess Alexandria and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. And there where so many badges of office warn and many walks of life present for being recognised for their outstanding achievements."