I came from a family of nine, whose parents lived on benefits. I was the only child in the family to pass their 11+ and go on to grammar school. In 1968 I was one of the first 10 girl cadets to join Liverpool City Police. As part of my cadet ship I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Because of my age, I was entered for a straightforward Gold AwRd, which I passed. Only my Mum could travel with me to Buckingham Palace to collect my award, as my Farther was too ill. I don’t know who was most proud of meeting the Duke of Edinburgh, Mum or me. Being from Liverpool, of course I had to have a joke with him. We both laughed. That experience has stayed with me to this day. He was a lovely man. I was the only person on our housing estate to have met him. The world, especially Britain, has lost a legend. He was certainly a force for good. There have been a few tears shed in this household tonight.