A CHARITY supporting children with additional needs was delighted to welcome a very special visitor for its annual tea party.

Woodley-based Me2 Club enjoyed refreshments with Sophie, HRH The Countess of Wessex, as well as more than 100 guests.

Volunteers and trustees were also joined by other elite company, including The Mayor and Mayoress of Wokingham Borough.

Tess Eagles, Me2 Club’s manager, said: “For the Me2 Club children, taking tea with The Countess of Wessex was an absolute privilege and the highlight of their year.

"It was amazing to see the children overcome their anxieties to talk with The Countess, watched by their smiling parents.

"The event was also a perfect opportunity for us to publicly thank our volunteers, activity leaders and supporters and to discuss our future plans.

"It was a wonderful experience for everyone who attended and highlighted the amazing work Me2 Club undertakes to help children with additional needs be included in mainstream leisure activities.”

Me Club, which is celebrating its 15th birthday this year, supports children and young people with a range of needs by recruiting and training volunteers.

The volunteers and children are then paired up and act as a buddy, allowing young people to overcome isolation and to take part in a mainstream activity.

Bernadette Ferne, Me2 Club’s chairman, added: “We are extremely honoured and proud to have been chosen for a Royal visit and would like to extend a huge thank you to The Countess of Wessex for attending our Tea Party.

"It was an absolute privilege and delight to observe her interaction with the children and the attention she gave to every one of them was very special to see.

"I hope it is a memory they will treasure forever.”

As well as offering support on a local scale, the charity also organises day trips to help give the children new opportunities and the chance to improve social skills and confidence.

Visit: me2club.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering, or finding out more about how the charity can help you.