GLYN Davies has described his meeting with the late Queen Elizabeth II as 'one of the most special occasions of my life.'

The monarch visited Newtown as part of her tour of Montgomeryshire in 1986 and the former Conservative MP remembered spending much of the day in her company.

Mr Davies said: "There had been many days of preparation and security. I am not certain but I think she stayed overnight in the Royal Train and started her day in Montgomeryshire at Machynlleth.

"After a walkabout there she travelled by car over the amazing mountain road through Dylife to Llanidloes where she walked about again. Then it was same again at Newtown, followed by a special visit to the village of Berriew, where I live.

"The Royal Visit to Montgomeryshire was recognition of the long service as her Lord Lieutenant of Colonel Lyon Corbett-Winder who lived near the village at Vaynor Park where she had a private lunch.

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"I joined the crowds as Her Majesty walked through our village. I had followed Lionel Corbett-Winder as Berriew Community Council chairman."

"The final stop was Welshpool, where after Her Majesty had walked down Broad Street I had arranged a ‘grand tea’ in the grounds of the Montgomeryshire Council offices.

"At the time I was the District Council chairman. It was such a great and special visit that we decided we had to do it properly. I used up three years worth of the ‘Chairman’s Allowance’ to pay for it.

"My term as chairman was 3 years and my allowance was used up on this one special event. Colonel Corbett-Winder, his Deputy Harry Davies, Sec of State for Wale, Rt Hon Nick Edwards plus 100 other dignitaries, councillors and special guests were in attendance."

Mr Davies went on to enjoy a long political career and remains chairman of the Welsh Conservatives.

He added: "Her Majesty served us with great charm, love and distinction. What an incredible commitment to service. I have met Her Majesty, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla at various events over the decades, but nothing will ever be as special as her day long visit to Montgomeryshire."