EXOTIC Egyptian belly dancing was just part of the afternoon's entertainment as 500 pensioners celebrated the Jubilee in style.

Coachloads of residents from sheltered homes and community centres across the Faithful City were treated to fine food, songs and dancing underneath a magnificent red, white and blue marquee at Perdiswell Young People's Club.

Yesterday's event was organised by the club and Perdiswell Mature Club, which successfully applied for a £5,000 Awards for All Lottery grant to help stage the celebrations.

With teenage breakdancing, magicians, belly dancing and music from the likes of 1940s band leader Glenn Miller, revellers were definitely in the mood for some fun and laughter.

Thanks to more than 100 talented entertainers and an army of helpers, the day, including the lavish buffet, went with a real swing.

Party-goers said the event brought back memories from the Coronation celebrations and life in Worcester 50 years ago.

Harry Betteridge, of Cookhill, near Inkberrow, remembered being persuaded by a friend to dress up as a monk on Coronation day.

"I remember buying a house the year previously for £450," he said.

"It had an outside toilet, which was absolutely freezing in winter. The taps used to seize up and you had a job trying to get any water to flush the loo."

Joyce Evans, originally from Tolladine, said some things were better in 2002.

"This event has been fantastic and a real treat," she said.

"We've had scones with cream and jam, which you couldn't get hold of in those days because of rationing.

"All the youngsters were given home-made sausage rolls and jelly in 1952, so I've done better this time round."

Barbara Martin, of Sansome Mews, remembered having her first alcoholic drink at the age of 14 after watching the Coronation on TV.

"My dad took me for a shandy," she said. "I felt grown up, but we could only sit in one side of the pub because the other end was strictly men only."

Phil Weston, the young people's club administrator, was thrilled with how the day had gone.

"Everyone involved has put in a lot of hard work during the last month," he said.

"But everyone enjoyed it, so it was definitely worth all the effort."

n Party time: P12/13