To celebrate the Queen Mother's birthday on Friday residents at the Cardinal Court retirement home in Cardinal Avenue, Borehamwood, enjoyed an old-fashioned variety show.

Tom Costello and his wife Brenda, also known as The Spice of Life, provided over an hour's entertainment that included tap dancing, the couple singing solos and duets and Mr Costello finishing off with a frantic session of spoon playing, performed with a cowboy theme.

'The party went off very well, all the residents seemed to enjoy it, and we got a letter from them on Monday to say thankyou.

'We're called The Spice of Life because that's what variety is. We've been back to Cardinal Court four times since Christmas, and it's always good fun to play there,' said Mr Costello, of Clifton Way, Borehamwood.

Around 35 residents watched the show, along with their families and friends, before sharing a birthday cake in honour of the Queen Mother.

The home's activities coordinator, Sandra Thomas, said: 'The residents are all very fond of the Queen Mother, and they were still celebrating on Saturday evening, when we had a barbecue for 70 people, including the residents families and friends.

'Relatives like these parties as well, it's nice for them to know that their family members are still enjoying themselves.'