Adrian Swallow, an Airedale Hospital catering assistant, met the Queen on Monday.

Adrian attended a young achievers' reception at Buckingham Palace.

With help from his colleagues and Bradford council's environmental protection staff, Adrian, who has Down's Syndrome, gained a basic food hygiene certificate. Because of his success the NHS Trust was delighted to nominate him.

Adrian, 25, has worked in the hospital kitchen since 1993. His job is to wash up thousands of knives, forks and spoons and mountains of crockery.

The Duke of Edinburgh was also present at the reception recognising the achievement of young adults who have excelled in their fields by overcoming handicap or personal circumstances, in the professional, voluntary, academic or sporting fields or in service to the community.

Former Braithwaite School pupil Adrian, who lives in Keighley, was accompanied by his younger brother James at the event.

"Understandably Adrian was very excited about his trip to London," says Airedale NHS Trust press spokesman Barry Rogers. "His family and colleagues are all delighted at the recognition of what he has achieved. We are all very proud of him.

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