More than 300 people attended a function at an entertainment complex to mark the 60th birthday and the 35th wedding anniversary of its toastmaster.

Paul Day and his wife Lesley chose a 60s and 70s theme for the event at Merlins entertainment complex in Leysdown.

Among the guests were brides and grooms from weddings that Paul had acted as toastmaster for during the last seven years.

He said: “With doom and gloom in every newspaper over the last few months, it’s nice to report a happier occasion. I was overwhelmed at the turnout.”

After the meal he took to the stage and sang Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.’

He added: “It was only this year I discovered it was my wife’s favourite song. I hope it still is.”

Lee Dunne, co-owner of Merlins, said: “We were under a lot of pressure on the evening as Paul, who is a perfectionist, is also one of our key members of staff , but all our staff put that little bit extra into making it a memorable evening for him.”