VETERAN showman Guy Higgins has been invited to a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace next week.

Professor Higgins retired from showbusiness last year for health reasons. Among his regular engagements was the Punch and Judy show on the seafront at Weymouth, which he had performed for 30 years.

"When I retired they gave me a great send-off with the mayor and all the civic dignitaries," he said.

"Later, I was surprised to receive this magnificent invitation to the royal garden party."

Mr Higgins and his wife Maggie, of Lower Howsell Road, will travel down to London on Tuesday, July 18, for the party, which will be attended by the Queen and Prince Philip.

"It's a great honour for a showman to be invited to Buckingham Palace like this, and we're very much looking forward to it," he said.

Mr Higgins is well known as the Punch and Judy man in the BBC's Hi de Hi, which is to be repeated shortly.

"I did 54 years in entertainment, and I do miss performing since I had to retire, but I've got plenty to keep me busy, lots of videos and 8mm films to go through," he said

Former Weymouth mayor, Coun Lynne Herbert, said: "'It's no surprise to us that Guy has been recognised for his service to the public.

"His 30 years as Punch and Judy puppeteer on Weymouth Beach made a huge contribution to the seaside tradition the resort is famous for.

"I know people came back year after year to see his show, bringing their children and grandchildren. As mayor, I was honoured to present Guy with a plaque of the borough's crest."