Last weekend marked the historic Coronation of King Charles III.

The Coronation itself represents the formal recognition of the new King’s position as the Head of State. It was a privilege to be in Westminster with my Dad to celebrate the occasion, as London saw the biggest military parade for over half a century.

It was of course an honour to represent Barnsley East when the King and Queen visited Parliament ahead of the coronation.

Barnsley has come together to mark the occasion as a community in lots of different ways. There have been street parties, craft sessions, afternoon teas and much more going on.

I enjoyed popping into St Mary’s in Wombwell to have a see how they ring the bells as bell ringers across the country were getting ready to ‘ring for the king’ on Coronation Day.

My office also held a Card for the King competition for children across the local area. It was lovely to see all the wonderful designs and it was difficult to choose a winner! I decided to display the entries I received at my office in Hoyland for the Barnsley community to enjoy. Thank you to everyone who took the time to design a card. We received over 100 submissions!

A big congratulations goes to the winner, Amelie from the Ellis Primary School, whose design is on the way to Buckingham Palace.

Bank holiday Monday saw the Big Help Out take place across the country with people giving up their time to help their local communities.

It was a great opportunity to say a big thank you to all those who give their time for others often without payment or recognition. I popped into the Elsecar Holy Trinity CofE Primary Academy to help with their school coronation bake sale.

I would also like to say a huge well done to Karen Davis, who won a Coronation Champion Award in recognition of all her hard work with Barnsley Youth Choir.

I wish Their Majesties a long and happy reign. God save the King.