The widow, daughters and mother of Falmouth's much loved and much missed beat manager, PC Andy Hocking, enjoyed an afternoon at Buckingham Palace after being invited to one of the Queen's garden parties last week.

Sally, daughters, Megan and Grace, and Andy's mother, Elizabeth, jumped at the chance to attend and represent Andy after Col Edward Bolitho, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, extended an invitation earlier in the year.

The four ladies donned their finest gear and headed off for the palace where they spent an afternoon roaming the gardens in the sunshine and meeting other guests. "We had a great time, it was a real honour," said Sally.

"It was such an honour to represent Andy - we were able to tell our story and to hear those of others. We didn't meet the Queen but had a fantastic view of her listening and talking as she moved down the corridor of people. It was lovely to see everyone in their best outfits and hats. It was a great day all round."

What was on the menu at a palace garden party? Cucumber and mint sandwiches, "perfect miniature nibbles" such as tarts, sponges and chocolate mousse squares with crown motifs, iced coffee and, of couse, tea.

It is almost 15 months since Andy died suddenly at the age of just 52. He had been the highly respected neighbourhood beat manager for Arwenack and his passing shocked the entire community. Around 6,000 people took to the streets a week after his death to pay their respects by walking Andy's beat one last time.