A campaigner whose charitable endeavours have been praised is set to celebrate the efforts of her work – with a trip to Buckingham Palace to celebrate the King's coronation.

Maya Amangeldiyeva, who runs Maya's Community Support Centre and Maya's Free Shop in Herne Bay High Street, Herne Bay, says she was "so proud to be invited".

The invite comes after her tireless work to help others, including frequent trips to the Turkey-Syria border to support those affected by the devastating earthquakes.

And discussing the invitation, Maya paid tribute to the whole team who she believes makes the project work.

"The invitation isn't just for me, it's a tribute to all our volunteers and local people who wake up every day determined to do something for their community," said the mum-of-three.

"It's for local businesses, local councillors, our hardworking directors Andrew, Beverly, Tina and Patricia who dedicate their life to our community without getting paid a penny.

"These are people who I will represent honourably at the Royal garden party and I am so proud to be invited and represent our community at Buckingham Palace."

The invite is for a celebratory garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace on May 3, as the Royal Family gear up for the coronation.

Maya's line of charity work ranges from helping Ukrainian refugees, visiting earthquake-impacted locations and helping low income people in Kent.

Since 2015, Maya has been running a community café in Herne Bay that provides meals to the homeless and people on low incomes.

And in December last year, she opened a 'free shop' in the High Street where everything is free with just one rule - no reselling.

She says she launched the venture in to aid those struggling financially while also helping to re-use unwanted items and that the initiative is entirely funded through donations and cash from community interest companies.

Maya – who moved to England from Turkmenistan 15 years ago – told KentOnline of her love for Herne Bay, calling it a "town with a kind heart".

"I believe Herne Bay is a town with a kind heart, it's become a connecting and unity point for all of Kent during the cost-of-living crisis," she began.

"Herne Bay is trying to prove to the world that humanity still exists, we want Herne Bay to be recognised as the kindest most supportive town.

"Our community support centre is not limited to Herne Bay, people visit us from all over the county.

"At Maya’s community support centre we are proud that the first unique free shop in the world was born in Herne Bay.

"Our plans are to open free shops all over the country but Herne Bay will always be the heart and motherland of the free shops."