NICE one, Cyril.

Retired miner Cyril Hall had his first birthday party in his life on Sunday - at the age of 80.

Family, friends and neighbours got together to organise the surprise bash at his home in Priory Road, Lundwood, where bunting was put across the street and a marquee erected in the back garden.

His wife Molly, 72, said:"There was never enough money around when he was a child to have parties.

"We had seven children and we were always organising parties for them but we never got round to Cyril.

"He was always joking that he never got a birthday cake so last year he had a bun with a candle in it."

This year his daughter, Marie Poxton, baked a cake with 80 candles and another with a figure reclining on the settee, his favourite position.

More than 40 portions of his top dish - Desperate Dan cow pie, in other words, meat and potato - were served up. Also on offer were pie and peas and a barbecue.

Cyril said on Sunday:"My daughter had taken me away to the caravan at Flamborough at the weekend and I returned to find this party. I am stunned."

Sharon Gibson, of Manor Street, Carlton, was behind the idea. "My grandfather is fantastic; he does lots of things for the family and never asks for anything in return. I have never seen him fill up so much when he saw the party.

"The whole street has been involved in one way or another - for instance, Mick from across the road helped put up the bunting."

On returning from the coast he was greeted with a large 'happy birthday' banner which referred to "Cyril, old git, favver (father) and squib ( his childhood nickname)."

He's the hon member of Priory Campus and part of community life at Lundwood. Now he's had a party, he wants to meet the Queen.