A royal invitation to Wearside pensioners

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens will play host to an afternoon tea party on Friday, June 10, between 2pm and 4pm as part of a national weekend of celebratory events.

To help mark the occasion all those born in Sunderland in 1926, the year of Queen Elizabeth's birth, have the chance to apply for an invitation from the Sunderland City Council to attend the party.

Six people from each of the five ward areas of Sunderland – East, West, Washington, North and Coalfields - can apply for a ticket plus one guest to the 90th birthday tea party at the museum by contacting Janet Robinson on 0191 561 8413 or [email protected] by April 29.

The tea party will be hosted by the Mayor of Sunderland with invited guests including representatives from the office of the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.

Deputy Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alan Emerson (Mayor Elect) said: “Sunderland City Council would like to honour the Queen’s birthday and acknowledge the wealth of dedication and hard-work she has given to her subjects over the many years.

“Who better to share in Her Majesty’s ninetieth birthday celebrations than those people born in the same year, who I’m sure will be proud ambassadors for their communities at the tea party and other celebratory occasions.

“While there are only a limited number of places available at the tea party and not everyone will get a ticket, there will be plenty of other opportunities for people of all ages to get involved with community celebrations, which include the lighting of the Beacon on Roker Pier on her official birthday 21 April.”