Nearly 90 OAP’s gathered together to honour the Queen’s 90th birthday at a street party themed celebration last week.

After getting the go-ahead from Buckingham Palace on behalf of Her Majesty The Rotary Club of Bourne End and Cookham laid on a royal tea party for the senior citizens on Thursday, April 7.

Guests flocked to the Bourne End Community Centre on Wakeman Road and were treated to tea, sandwiches and cake accompanied by classic songs from days gone by.

And the oldest party goer – 98-year-old Mollie Smith – was given the honour of blowing out the candles on the birthday cake after the entire party sang happy birthday.

The event was organised by Rotarians David Buckland and Valerie Bishop after they felt more needed to be done to bring the community together.

Mr Buckland said: “All went home smiling with a piece of cake and a copy of the letter from the Queen.

“We had a minibus we hired that could take wheelchairs plus we hired the best China so they all had bone china tea cups plates and teapots.

“Everyone had a wonderful time and I've had some remarkable emails back.”

And to top the afternoon off all guests were given a copy of the letter sent from Buckingham Palace thanking the Rotary Club and guests for throwing the party.

The letter said: “The Queen was interested to learn of this event and appreciated your thoughtfulness in writing as you did.

“In her return Her Majesty has asked me to send her warm good wishes to all those organising and attending the party for a most memorable and enjoyable afternoon.”