FOUR members of Hereford Food Bank enjoyed a distinguished day out as thanks for their work providing for those in poverty.

Food bank administrator Alison Russell and volunteers Carol Plant and Doug and Anna Stead, were put forward to enjoy a lunch at Buckingham Palace.

The group also got the chance to explore the palace grounds.

Carol, who has been volunteering for the food bank for two years, said the experience was "out of this world".

"It was beautiful. The whole palace and grounds are gorgeous and I even saw Prince Philip and the Queen, although I didn't get to personally meet them," she said.

"I'm such an ordinary person and I help out at the food bank to give something back for when it helped me, so it was a dream to go to the palace."

The Hereford Food Bank started four years ago and was initially operating out of a portable building in the Bishop’s Palace.

It has since moved to a bigger premises in Aubrey Street.

Items most needed by the food bank include: tins of meat, fish and vegetables, pies, sanitary items such as toilet rolls, toothpaste and soap.

People can leave items at the Hereford Times office on Holmer Road, at Hereford Cathedral and All Saints’ Church.