A NEWLY-WED Bolton bride has put off her honeymoon because she's got a hot date - with the Queen.

Sital Raja-Arjan and her husband, Pravin, were married this month but work commitments meant they could only jet off on honeymoon on June 1.

But their trip to the exotic island of Bali has had to be delayed by a further 24 hours after Sital discovered she'd got an appointment at Buckingham Palace!

She was chosen by the North West Tourist Board to join a VIP guest list at the Palace after being nominated by Bolton Council's Leisure Services bosses. The reception will be hosted by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in honour of young adults who have excelled in their particular field.

And Sital's invitation is a recognition of the Bolton spice girl's success as marketing manager for her parents' shop, House of Raja.

The store on Fletcher Street, Bolton, has become a top tourist attraction, with thousands of people dropping in each year to sample a taste of India and its exotic spices, fruit and vegetables.

Sital, 28, said: "I'm thrilled, it's tremendous. I was really shocked when the invitation came from the Palace. I thought 'Is this for real? Someone's having me on', and then I picked it up and read it again."

And luckily Pravin has shown all the patience and understanding expected of a new husband!

Sital explained: "When I told Pravin he said I must not miss it and we put everything back a day. He's been very understanding about it - especially as he won't be going to the Palace!"

Cllr Gerald Riley, Leisure Services Committee chairman, said they were delighted to have nominated her.

He added: "A visit to Buckingham Palace is a lifetime memory. Her selection reflects great personal credit on her and the business, and on Bolton where we are working to promote the town as an attractive destination with attractions such as House of Raja."

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