TWO cousins from Worcestershire were given the day off school this month when they got the once in a lifetime chance to meet the Queen.

Youngsters Harriet Poore, aged seven, and Mia Upshon, five, were chosen to present posies to the Queen at a reception held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Journalists’ Charity.

Their grandfather, Laurie Upshon, from Kemerton, is the charity’s chairman and organised the event, held at the historic Stationers’ Hall.

The Queen is the charity’s patron.

Among the 300 guests were journalists from across the UK and leading figures from newspapers, television and radio as well as Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, MP for Bromsgrove.

Harriet, who is from Honeybourne, said: "It was a very exciting day. I was a bit nervous at first, but after I met the Queen I was fine. She was very kind and friendly and smiled a lot."

Mia, who lives in Warndon, added: "The Queen was really nice and smiley and liked the flowers. She felt nervous but I had been practising my curtsey all week. I was given a special sticker from the headteacher in assembly when I got back."