After retiring from St Sebastian's in July 2013 Mrs Hagan was delighted to receive an invite from The Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside to attend the Royal Garden Party in Buckingham Palace on May 21st.

The invitation came in November 2013 and it was a wonderful surprise.

Mrs Hagan had been nominated by the Federation of St Cuthbert's and St Sebastian's for services to Catholic education as she had taught in Catholic schools in Liverpool for 39 years.

She attended in May 2014 and says it was a very special and memorable occasion. There were people there from all walks of life who had been nominated for many different reasons, services to the military, church, charity and work in industry, hospitals and local government.

Military bands played all afternoon and there was a lovely afternoon tea.  The Queen, Prince Philip, Princess Beatrice and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent attended the party.

Mrs Hagan says "it was amazing to be so close to so many members of the Royal family and it was a once in a lifetime experience for me.  I am very grateful to the Federation for nominating me and giving me the opportunity to experience a very special and unique day."