By PHILIP CARDY

The Sun Newspaper Online

A CHARITY worker’s invitation to a ritzy celebration bash was withdrawn because she is WHITE.

Linda Sims, who spent months knitting clothing to raise cash for the needy, was chosen to go as one of the Experience Corps charity’s most hard-working volunteers.

Overjoyed Linda, 54, was looking forward to mingling with VIPs at the event in Portcullis House, opposite Parliament in London.

But unknown to her — and the regional organiser who nominated her to attend — the do was specifically for African and Caribbean volunteers.

When charity chiefs found out she was neither, a representative called on her and told her she could not go due to a “misunderstanding”.

Mum-of-two Linda, of Chorlton, Manchester, said: “I was so angry. I felt used. I was really looking forward to it.”

Linda told how she had knitted “mountains of stuff”, including more than 70 baby jackets, that Experience Corps sold to raise money.

The charity encourages people aged 50 or over to use their skills to benefit the deprived.

It has staged events to thank various women helpers, including Sikhs, Jews, Hindus and Muslims.

Spokeswoman Sarah Joy said some local organisers did not realise next week’s do, hosted by Treasury Chief Secretary Paul Boateng, was for African and Caribbean volunteers.

She added: “Normally we would have welcomed Mrs Sims with open arms but this event wouldn’t be relevant to her.”

Linda WILL be invited to a “heroes” do in June.

But she said: “The explanation has come a bit late. I’ve a feeling my knitting will go to the Salvation Army now.”