Selfies with Ant and Dec - what it was like to be in Westminster Abbey

More than 18 million in the UK were watching the Coronation of King Charles. It was a moment in history and one not seen for 70 years.

But what was it like to be in Westminster Abbey?

Dave McNicholl is chief executive of Warrington Youth Zone and was given a British Empire Medal in 2021.

In February he received an email inviting him to London for the Coronation. And he made the headlines in ways he would not expect.

He said: "The coronation was on the weekend of my 10-year-old son's football tournament in Ireland and initially I was resigned to the fact that I would not be able to attend. After reflection I realised it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and accepted the invitation, deciding to fly to join him after the Coronation.

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"Arriving in central London at 6.45am on Saturday required a very early start, I joined a queue on Lambeth Bridge and said good morning to a gentleman who was stood next to me as we waited to access Victoria Gardens.

"It turned out his name was Robert Owen DL and he was the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and lives less than half a mile from me in Liverpool.

Dave with Robert Own inside the Abbey

"After moving through security we took our seats on the third row from the front in the Nave 100 metres from the front door of the Abbey. We had a three-and-a-half hour wait until the Coronation started and enjoyed meeting the guests around us, including Jane and her auntie Betty who was celebrating her 100th birthday the following day.

"While there was a long wait it went quickly and was peppered with seeing a range of celebrities walking past including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lionel Richie and Stephen Fry, just after 9:00am Ant and Dec took their seats less than 10 feet away from me.

"While the ushers were reminding guests not to take photos on their phones, including challenging the famous duo, I took the opportunity to ask them for a photo explaining that I was from Warrington Youth Zone and I wanted to share the photo with our members. Declan explained that we would have to be careful in case we were told off, I laughed and said I would make sure no one noticed. Not realising that a photo of me taking the selfie with them was to be shared across the BBC, Daily Mail and social media.

Ant and Dec in Westminster Abbey

"Soon after all phones were turned off as the ceremony started and heads of state, former Prime Ministers and members of the Royal Family walked past our seats, the whole experience was moving and completely surreal. I am totally humbled to have been invited as one of 450 people who hold a British Empire Medal who also attended the momentous occasion.

"Definitely something to tell the grandchildren, I am looking forward to being able to share my experience with members of Warrington Youth Zone and show them my invitation and the order of service from the event."