A well-known Worcester war veteran and his wife have been honoured for years of selfless work for charity with a Royal invitation to lunch at Buckingham Palace.

John and Betty Hewlett have been Poppy Appeal stalwarts of 40 years standing, collecting more than £350,000 over the years for the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Mr Hewlett, aged 89, was a naval engineer in the Pacific during the war, where he worked to repair aircraft carriers, and is now president of the city's branch of the RBL.

He said he is 'over the moon' at the invitation to the commemorative lunch - to recognise 60 years since the war ended - in the presence of the Queen.

"It was a complete surprise when the letter came through and it was wonderful for me and Betty," he said.

"I'd like to thank my wife for all her hard work. This is great for her.

"I'm pleased with the RBL club in Worcester and we have worked really hard on it. I'm over the moon for me and my wife."

The couple, of Windsor Avenue, St John's, are this year hoping to hand over the reins of the Poppy Appeal to the next, younger generation of collectors.

The date for the lunch has not yet been set and the Palace will contact the couple closer to the day.