Two volunteers have been invited to a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey by the Princess of Wales.
Angie Comerford, 46, and Alison Wilson, 40, are full-time volunteers for Hebburn Helps. The foodbank and crisis response team, based in Hebburn, South Tyneside, supports local families in the community who are less fortunate.
Earlier this week, the pair both received a letter from Buckingham Palace inviting them to the Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in London. The event, which will be attended by the Royal Family, will take place at 5pm on Thursday, December 15.
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The service, lead by Kate Middleton and supported by The Royal Foundation, will recognise the selfless efforts of individuals, families and communities across the UK. It will also pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, following her death in September.
Angie said the service will be attended by eight representatives from four organisations across the North East - Hebburn Helps being one of them.
The mum-of-two, who lives in Hebburn, said: "I was elated, you just don't get opportunities like this.
"I was thinking how on earth has this happened? People do go and they do get recognised but to be chosen as one of those people is mind-blowing, it's amazing."
Alison, who lives in South Shields, said: "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm excited but I'm also nervous as well. I don't think it's hit me properly yet!
"I absolutely loved the Queen and the service is dedicated to her so I think it's going to be really emotional and quite overwhelming."
Hebburn Helps was founded by Jo Durkin and Angie in July 2015 to help people in the local community. Earlier this year, the organisation was told they would be given The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
Co-founders Jo and Angie will also be invited to the garden party at Buckingham Palace next year.
Angie, who also works as a youth worker, said: "We have been linked to the Lord-lieutenant since the nomination went through for The Queen's Award. We won that just before the Queen died. We haven't officially been presented with it, I think that will be at some point next year.
"We found out about the carol service a little while ago but we weren't allowed to say anything, which is super hard for me. A letter from the Princess of Wales - how often does that happen?
"Hebburn Helps was never ever supposed to get as big as it did. We have won lots of awards so we must be doing something right. We don't do any of it for praise or for thanks but I'm going to take this praise. It doesn't get much bigger than this really."
During the service at Westminster Abbey, the Abbey Choir will perform some of the nation's most beloved carols, alongside musical performances and readings delivered by special guests. It will be broadcast to the UK on ITV One on Christmas Eve.
Angie added: "I don't really know many Christmas carols but thankfully nobody will be able to hear my voice!"
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