THE Archbishop of York invited along four pensioners who are celebrating their 90th birthdays this year when he staged a 'Party at the Palace.'

Dr John Sentamu opened up the grounds of Bishopthorpe Palace for the weekend event to mark the Queen’s 90th Birthday and to raise funds for St Leonards Hospice in York.

The new nonagenarians who were invited to be his special guests included Pam Shepherd from Copmanthorpe, who celebrates her 90th birthday in August and Elizabeth Lockwood from Harrogate, who celebrated it just days ago.

Mrs Lockwood said it was a privilege to join the Archbishop along with the other guests, adding: "It’s lovely to get together to mark occasions. I can’t believe I’m 90 – it’s remarkable really!”

Performances at the party included children from Archbishop of York Junior School, The Shepherd Group Concert Band, party band Huge, The Grand Old Uke of York and Adrian Lee-Stokes and his band, while the Shepherd Group Senior Band brought the evening to a close with a proms style finale and a spectacular firework display.