ON the first day of August, 2003, we asked for your nominations for someone who you thought deserved a privileged place at a reception at Buckingham Palace.

We asked for nominees who you felt had contributed something unique to their country - whether they had changed lives for the better or set new examples for others to follow.

They might have made a difference through their fund-raising efforts or by helping people who are disabled or disadvantaged.

The names came flooding in, as you nominated people from across the region who had made that vital difference to others' lives.

The overall winner, Oxfam fund-raiser Margaret Brown, from Worcester, attended the royal reception on Monday.

In the rarefied atmosphere of the Palace's White Drawing Room, Mrs Brown was introduced to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, who complimented her on her 28 years of selfless service at Worcester's two Oxfam shops.

A lot of people devote their time to different organisations because they want to "give something back to society" or make a contribution to their community, or to disadvantaged people across the globe, often helping out with causes they believe in.

There are thousands of volunteers and helpers out there who are worthy of recognition and it is a shame that we were only able to forward one name for this week's royal honour.

All the unsung heroes who were nominated, however, can be sure that they have the respect and gratitude of those that they so tirelessly serve.