TV personality and journalist Dame Esther Rantzen enjoyed tea and cake during a visit to residents at a retirement living home in Hitchin last week.

The That's Life! presenter attended a special Jubilee Tea Party at Churchill Retirement Living’s Dovehouse Lodge on May 5.

Apartment owners and guests spent time sharing anecdotes and stories from the broadcasting legend's impressive career, over music, fizz and refreshments.

Residents and guests were also given special Jubilee goody bags to get the celebrations under way for this remarkable occasion.

Churchill’s regional sales & marketing director Jacqui Egan said: “We were delighted to welcome Dame Esther and all our guests to Dovehouse Lodge for a special Jubilee Tea Party to celebrate The Queen’s extraordinary reign.

"There was a host of treats and great entertainment on offer, as well as some special Jubilee goody bags, and it was a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy the friendly and fun community atmosphere on offer here.”

Dame Esther Rantzen DBE is Churchill’s Brand Ambassador and has worked tirelessly to champion the needs of older people.

In 2012 she founded a new charity called The Silver Line with the aim of combating loneliness in isolated older people.

She has also worked closely with Churchill Retirement Living to set up The Churchill Awards, the annual celebration of the achievements of the over 65s.

Her philosophy is that the retirement years should be anticipated in a positive way. Older people should be supported so that they can find out what’s on offer for them and enjoy life to the full.

“Growing older is something to be celebrated,” she declares. “Older people have so much to offer.

"Since becoming a Churchill Ambassador I’ve enjoyed working with them to help champion the needs of older people, attending events and talking first-hand to owners who have moved into new Churchill apartments.”

This year marks the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. There will be plenty going on through Hitchin and surrounding areas to celebrate her 70 year reign.

To find out more about Churchill Retirement Living and further social events taking place throughout the summer, call 01462 889692 or visit churchillretirement.co.uk.