A lunch was held at the Victoria Inn on Sunday to mark the 90th birthday of Esme Eileen Perry who has been living in the village for just over three months.

The celebratory lunch not only gave villagers a chance to reunite with old friends, but provided the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to fallen heroes and to those about to return to Iraq on a tour of duty at the end of the month.

Mrs Perry's son, Chris Perry, said: "My decision to move to Wetwang which was made in early January was more than compensated by the day's turn- out and the atmosphere in the pub."

According to Mr Perry, there are three former soldiers from Wetwang who are about to embark on their fourth tour of duty in Iraq to work for a private security company and the lunch gave their fellow villagers the chance to give an apt send off.

Methodist lay preacher Barbara Gardner, of Wetwang, led the group of revellers in a blessing.

The lunch was accompanied by music provided by a quartet of singers led by Brenda McFall who were all dressed in wartime costumes.

Mr Perry was also reunited with old friends, Tom Leney, who travelled to Wetwang from London and Brian Merton who made the journey from Leicester.

Mr Perry said: "We all met at York University in October 1964 so it was a reunion and they have all known my mother throughout those years.
"They were impressed by the village as well as Driffield and the surrounding area," he added.