FOUNDERS of a Somerset-based charity that was created following the death of their son have received an unexpected royal surprise.

Donna and Paul Stevens set up Elliot's Touch in 2015 after losing their 13-month-old son to mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic condition, and cardiomyopathy, a condition which affects the heart.

Three years later they find themselves on the guest list for the nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, after being nominated by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Anne Maw.

The letter arrived on Friday, April 6, containing the invitation.

"We are speechless," Mrs Stevens said.

"We had no idea at all that this was coming, it's a complete shock.

"I saw the posh letter addressed to my husband and couldn't wait for him to open it. When he did we saw that it was addressed to both of us. He asked me to read it again because we couldn't believe what it said.

"I was thinking oh my word, we've been invited to the wedding of the century. What an honour."

The couple, who live in Watchet but have family in Taunton, were nominated by Ms Maw for their hard work with Elliot's touch.

The pair have raised more than £80,000 since the charity was set up.

Mrs Stevens said: "We met Anne through working with Watchet Live.

"She nominated us because of our circumstances and everything we've been through. She's a wonderful woman."

She added that she cannot wait to see the bride and groom as they are her 'favourite' Royals, alongside Prince William.

The next Elliot's Touch event takes place at the Phoenix Centre in Watchet for the Father's Day cream tea and bake off on Sunday, June 17.

For more information on Elliot's Touch, which is run under the umbrella of the Somerset Community Foundation, visit elliotstouch.org.