The event was laid on by The Duchess in her role as Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland to recognise the valuable contribution that volunteers and carers make to the local community.
The garden party was staged at The Alnwick Garden and 300 volunteers and carers were invited, along with their partners/guests.
Fittingly, the event took place during National Carers Week, which aims to raise awareness of the UK’s six-million unpaid carers, as well as celebrating the incredible contribution they make.
During the event, and on behalf of the Queen, the Duchess presented The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to volunteers from Bell View in Belford.
The Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK for outstanding work done in their local communities.
13. Volunteers and carers garden party hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland at The Alnwick Garden. David and Sarah Gair from Ellington Juniors. Picture by Jane Coltman
David and Sarah Gair from Ellington Juniors. Picture by Jane Coltman Photo: Jane Coltman
14. Volunteers and carers garden party hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland at The Alnwick Garden. Louise and Mark Brassell from The Alnwick Garden with Tracey Blenkin and carer Fenella Wallis. Picture by Jane Coltman
Louise and Mark Brassell from The Alnwick Garden with Tracey Blenkin and carer Fenella Wallis. Picture by Jane Coltman Photo: Jane Coltman
15. Volunteers and carers garden party hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland at The Alnwick Garden. Brenda Fisher, Mary Thompson and Alan Thompson from the Ashington branch of Macmillan. Picture by Jane Coltman
Brenda Fisher, Mary Thompson and Alan Thompson from the Ashington branch of Macmillan. Picture by Jane Coltman Photo: Jane Coltman
16. Volunteers and carers garden party hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland at The Alnwick Garden. Voluteers from Bell View in Belford. Picture by Jane Coltman
Volunteers from Bell View in Belford. Picture by Jane Coltman Photo: Jane Coltman