Renowned radio and variety entertainer Alf Pearson was treated to a special party to celebrate his 100th birthday.

More than 150 people attended the party at Brinsworth House care home, Twickenham, where Mr Pearson has been a resident for three years.

Fellow resident Reg Brigden said: “Alf had been a resident at Brinsworth for some time, enjoying reasonable good health being our oldest member.

“A large crowd gathered to wish him well and help him relive the many memories with fellow entertainers.”

Mr Pearson and his brother Bob became household names after beginning their careers singing duets in 1927.

A year later they won a nationwide talent contest sponsored by Columbia Records, which saw them win a recording contract and 50 copies of the record. They were then booked for the hit BBC show, Saturday Music Hall.

Between the 1930s and 1960s Mr Pearson and his brother trod the boards of music halls and theatres up and down the country. They are credited as being the first duo to have their faces featured on the small screen.

Although Bob died in 1985, his brother remained in good health and lived in his own flat without any help until he was 95.

He moved to the retirement home for members of the acting and entertainment industry, in Staines Road, three years ago.

A party was held at the care home last Tuesday for Mr Pearson by the Grand Order of Water Rats (GOWR) and Lady Ratlings - an entertainment industry charity and brother and sisterhood based in London.

Partygoers were treated to a trip down memory lane by the Swingtime Sweethearts, who performed a medley of songs from the 1940s.

Secretary to the trustees of the GOWR, John Adrian, was one of the members who helped Alf celebrate on the day.

He said: “We had a nice day. It was a lovely celebration.

“He [Mr Pearson] was very bright and as sprightly as ever.”

“He is always immaculately turned out.”