A Kildwick businessman has attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his contributions to charity.

Tony Lee, 64, attended the Queen's garden party with his partner, Lynn Crangle.

"It was a great atmosphere - well worth going," he said.

"The Queen and Prince Philip paraded past everyone. They were very polite and courteous and Prince Philip was quite witty.

"There were military bands, marquees with plenty of lovely food and lots of people in uniform from all over the Commonwealth.

"It was a real honour to be there."

Mr Lee has been a trustee of the Hospital Heartbeat Appeal for four years.

The group, founded eight years ago, buys equipment to help hospitals in West Yorkshire fight heart disease.

It stages charity golf days two or three times a year, as well as sponsored walks and runs.

Mr Lee has also spent three years supporting the London charity Get Kids Going, which helps get disabled youngsters mobile.

To raise money for this group, Mr Lee ran the New York Marathon in 2005 and 2006. He will be taking part in the event for a third time this November and has begun training.

"I used to live in America in the 70s and I've got a few friends there who'll be able to watch me running," he said.

"It's a great experience - New York is a very cosmopolitan city and you run through all sorts of different neighbourhoods."