An Ilkley nursing home is enlisting the help of a royal butler, a local artist and the sister of pop star Gareth Gates for a full-scale Jubilee celebration.

A treasure-trove of royal memorabilia, including a replica set of the Crown Jewels, will be on show at Riverview Nursing Home's Golden Jubilee Garden Party.

Nicola Gates, sibling to singer Gareth, will open the proceedings on Monday, June 3. She will be joined by former butler to the Queen and the Queen Mother, Paul Kidd, bearing a letter of good luck from the monarch herself.

The home's 70 guests, who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, will also be involved in the party, which will include a fund-raising raffle featuring two royal portraits donated by Burley-in-Wharfedale artist David Stephenson.

Activities co-ordinator at the Stourton Road home, Judith Watkinson, said: "Our catering manager, Jill, is Mr Stephenson's sister so that was a good connection to have and his paintings will make excellent raffle prizes. It's also great to have Nicola there, because with Gareth being so popular it should help us attract some younger people on the day.

"I met Paul, who was a royal butler until he had to give it up for health reasons, years ago back in Cheshire, and it is wonderful that he has agreed to come along.

"How many other events will be able to say they have one of the Queen's butlers there? We will also have music for young and old, a range of stalls and refreshments, and end with a big singalong featuring the likes of Rule Britannia and Jerusalem.

"Believe you me, it will be the best Jubilee party in Ilkley! And everything we do on the day will go to the Alzheimer's Society, because they urgently need funds but are very often overlooked."

Open to the public, the event will be rounded off with a champagne toast to the Queen and a rendition of the national anthem.

l Have you arranged a Jubilee celebration? Let reporter Nicky Harley know on (01943) 607022.