The founders of the hugely successful Oakham Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club (AFVBC) will be joining members of the royal family on Wednesday (29 May) when they attend the Queen's Garden Party.

Mark and Tracey Taylor were put forward to attend the invite-only event at Buckingham Palace by Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, in recognition of the couple's achievements.

Mark and Tracey founded the club, held at The Grainstore every first Saturday of the month, in last August and since then it has 'gone from strength to strength'.

Tracey told Oakham Nub News: "We are so very grateful to have been thought of in this way and quite excited about attending Buckingham Palace.

"The club is only as successful as the people who attend and support it every month.

"It has gone from strength to strength and sees members of all three armed services - whether veterans or still serving - come together over a fabulous Grainy breakfast.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received and how successful the club has become.

"Every month multi-forces agencies are invited to attend in a informal setting and chat to the guys and girls about support that is out there if needed.

"It's more than just a breakfast club, friendships are made, shoulders are there to be leaned on and of course the food is very good.

"We couldn't have achieved what we have in this last year without the people who attend and also the people who have supported us, including the Lord-Lieutenant, and just want to thank everybody.

"Buckingham Palace will be a once in a life time experience and Mark and I are eternally grateful for being given the chance to attend - although Mark is not looking forward to the dress shopping!"

As well as organising the club, the couple have also given talks to welfare services in the East Midlands to explain how the breakfast clubs work and the impact it has by enabling people who miss the armed forces ethos and camaraderie to come together in a safe environment.

The club idea came about after Mark, a former Army chef who served for 26 years, left the armed forces three years ago.

Tracey explains: "He experienced a turning point last year after losing two of his close military friends in a short space of time, one of those joining the growing number of armed forces to take their own life.

"Mark found veterans coming together to pay their respects and several in sad circumstances.

"He felt that something positive needed to come out of it and that veterans and serving military should come together firstly as a support network and in more positive circumstances."

After researching the AFVBC network and the number of clubs running successfully all over the world Mark and Tracey decided there was opportunity to start a club in Oakham.

"We thought the town would be a good place to hold these breakfasts because of the growing number of armed forces either living on the base or making beautiful Rutland their home after being posted here.

"We approached The Grainstore, who have just been fantastic from day one with their support, and now here we are nine months later planning a trip to Buckingham Palace."