A FOUNDER of Swindon Night Shelter will join Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they celebrate their special day.

Becky Davidson, co-founder of the Cheney Manor homelessness project, will head to Windsor on Saturday for the royal event of the year.

“I was really excited,” the 46-year-old said, remembering the moment she received the invitation. “And surprised. We never thought for one minute we’d be invited for the work we do. It’s very local and small scale.

“We’ve been involved in work with the Lord Lieutenant before. I can only assume that our name is on a list.”

Set up in 2008, Swindon Night Shelter regularly houses up to 40 people in St Mary’s Church Hall on Cheney Manor Road.

The night shelter also provides a hot meal, fresh clean clothes, a shower and takeaway food. Last year, volunteers at the project launched a new café, offering hearty food in the old children’s centre in Park North.

Becky said she had been excited and humbled by the invitation: “We are looking forward to sharing in this special day and we are grateful for the opportunity to raise the public awareness of our charity.

“We have a large group of volunteers who work hard and we know that homelessness is much more than just not having a place to stay.

“We serve our guests wherever they are in the cycle of homelessness by meeting with them and walking alongside them, developing supportive relationships and helping them to make the changes they want and need to make to rebuild their lives and establish stable housing and return to work.

“By building their self-esteem and caring for them throughout the week as well as at our homeless shelter at St. Marys Church in Rodbourne, we see our guests grow in confidence and often able to overcome the issues that accompany a life on the streets or wherever they may be.”

The North Swindon woman is yet to choose her outfit for the big day. But she’s sure that sensible shoes will be laid out in the morning: “It’s going to be a long day. The flip flops are out.”

Becky plans to take along friend Emma McCarthy, a teacher and royals fan.