PENSIONER Clive Grantham has a date with the Queen next week - at a garden party in Buckingham Palace.

The 82-year-old, from Huntington, is a former member of the Household Cavalry. On June 2, 1953, he was a member of the cavalry escort who accompanied the Queen in her golden state coach from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey for her coronation.

"Indescribable, really," was his verdict on being a part of that historic day.

Next Wednesday he and his wife Rose are among the guests who have been invited to Horseguards Parade to watch the Queen present the standards to the latterday Household Cavalry.

They will then go to Buckingham Palace for a garden party in the afternoon.

"I'm looking forward to it - but it depends on the weather!" joked Clive, who in July celebrates his Diamond Wedding to Rose.

Because Clive can no longer walk, a special wheelchair taxi will be coming to pick him and Rose up and drive them down to London.

It will mean an early start, said Rose, who is planning to wear a fuchsia dress with lilac shoes and matching bag and hat for the big day.

"We will be up at 4.30. I'm looking forward to it - but I'm getting a bit apprehensive now! Are we going to get there on time? Is everything going to go OK? But one of the young carers has said she'll come and help Clive get ready."