PEOPLE of all ages across the Keighley district and South Craven staged activities to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.

Stanbury Village School welcomed its own VIP visitor yesterday, Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Joanne Dodds.

A 90th-birthday-themed piece of artwork, decorated in Union Flag colours, was unveiled.

Pupils were joined by youngsters from Haworth and Keelham primary schools for the event, which also included the singing of the national anthem and Happy Birthday.

Stanbury headteacher Graham Swinbourne said: "The young people helped create the artwork – a plaque – with design teachers.

"It will be going up outside the school so everyone can see it."

At Kildwick Primary School, pupils and staff dressed in red, white and blue and enjoyed a tea party in the playground.

And music teacher Mrs Wendy Turvey led a singing assembly, including flag waving and a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

"It was a very special, fun and communal occasion," said interim headteacher Richard Hunt.

"We would like to thank all parents and families who supported the event, through either helping on the day or providing baked goods."

One man who had extra special reason to celebrate yesterday was retired banker Gary Blackburn, from Riddlesden.

He had his 90th birthday on the same day as the Queen and told of his pride at sharing exactly the same age as Her Majesty.

"I do think it's always made me especially interested in everything she's done during her life," said Mr Blackburn.

"Our son and his three children all came up for a party and of course I thought about the Queen."

Mr Blackburn, who with wife Philippa, 87, has moved to warden-assisted accommodation at Bingley in recent times, recalled an earlier shared birthday which changed his life dramatically.

He said: "A letter arrived at home on the very day of my 18th birthday.

"It was my call up papers for the war and I had to go to Leeds where I chose to join the navy.

"I ended up on destroyers escorting the Russian convoys."