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Every year the Lord Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Sheriff of Nottingham attend around 500 civic events.

Most of these are within Nottinghamshire but they do attend functions throughout Britain and abroad.

The woman who ensures they're at the right place at the right time is Louise Butler.

Head of the diary

All invitations and requests come to Louise. It's up to her to check the 'civics' (Lord Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Sheriff of Nottingham) diary and then organise the attendance.

She has to find out what's expected of the guest of honour - whether they need to make a speech or if they're cutting a ribbon at an opening ceremony.

She also has to liaise with the council chauffeur to ensure there's a car available to take the dignitaries to and from each event.

Rising through the ranks

Louise only joined the local authority in 2007. She began as a civic assistant, helping to make drinks and serving tea to councillors. Her role is quite different now.

"It's a very interesting place to work. Every day is different. It's a part of history with the 'civics'. It's just fabulous."

Getting it right

With the dignitaries attending a host of functions, anything from belly dancing to meeting international visitors, Louise's organisational skills are often called upon.

She admits the buck stops with her.

"Hopefully I find out everything they need to know so they're not thrown into the deep end too much.

"It can be a lot of pressure especially if we get last minute requests, when people want us to attend a meeting they're having the next day."

Perks

Being head of the 'civics' diary means Louise is pretty much chained to the desk. But there are a few perks.

"The favourite one is the Goose Fair. We accompany the Lord Mayor and Sheriff and we do get to go on some of the rides so that's quite a perk."

And she gets to meet famous people, including plenty of royalty. However, her best celebrity encounter was with Jonathan Ross.

"That was fabulous," she says.