TWO community-spirited Barry women, who have been honoured by the Queen, have shared their memories of meeting the monarch - who today celebrates her 90th birthday.

Former Romilly school teacher Nita Dally, and retired youth worker, Molly Conway both recall Her Majesty's “perfect skin” and “blue, twinkly eyes”.

They also said how small she was, when they met her on separate occasions to receive MBE's for their community endeavours.

Mrs Dally, 84, was awarded her MBE at Buckingham Palace in October 1992, after appearing in the Birthday Honours list, while Mrs Conway, 72, met Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in April 2014, after appearing in the New Year Honours list.

Grandmother-of-one Mrs Dally has supported the NSPCC, the Salvation Army, Action Medical Research – of which she was the chairwoman for 40 years – and is still involved with Tenovus in Barry.

The Barry’s West End resident said: “You had to curtsey and walk forward eight steps. I said it was the most exciting day of my life and she said, 'I hope you have many more'.

“I was surprised how long she talked for and she was much smaller than I thought. She had beautiful skin, twinkly eyes and a lovely smile.

“I’m a great admirer of her. I think she’s tremendous. She meets so many people over the years, but she still made it special for me.”

Mrs Conway, of Gibbonsdown, Barry, has been chairwoman of the Gibbonsdown Residents’ Board since 1985 and was instrumental in helping to improve both economic and social conditions in the Communities First area.

The retired youth worker said: “The Queen asked me how long I had been working for in the community, and I told her approximately 33 years.

"I said it was difficult because council’s are not forward thinking and she said, 'Well done'.

"She’s a grand lady and I think we should all be proud of her.

“I was stunned at how small she was and her eyes were blue, twinkly eyes

“The Queen was amazing.

“Those in power could learn from her graciousness.”