Two mental health nurses from Portslade were invited to the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Melanie and Peter Atkinson were nominated by their NHS employer, Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust, as they have almost 80 years of nursing experience between them.
They enjoyed finger foods in fine weather surrounded by hundreds of other dedicated public servants yesterday (Tuesday 5 May).
Melanie Atkinson works with younger people while Peter Atkinson, who is also a member of Brighton and Hove City Council, is at the other end of the age spectrum, working with people with dementia.
Councillor Atkinson, who represents North Portslade, said: “It’s great to see nursing recognised in this way.
“Both Melanie and myself have the general nursing qualification as well but our hearts lie with mental health work.”
The Labour councillor and union rep added: “I hadn’t realised what a celebration of public service the garden party is.
“It was wonderful to see so many folk from the armed forces, police, emergency services, the NHS and local government there.”
