THE Duke of Marlborough is planning a special treat for 250 80-year-olds at what promises to be the biggest birthday party Blenheim Palace has seen.

In April, the Queen hosted a special lunch at Buckingham Palace for 99 people who, like her, turned 80 on April 21.

Now the Duke, who was 80 on April 13, is to follow the Queen's example by inviting octogenarians to join him at his palace.

He initially wants to hear from other Oxfordshire people who have recently had, or are about to celebrate, their 80th birthday. The invitation to the Duke's garden party is initially being extended to all Oxonian octogenarians born between January 1 and July 8, 1926, with special priority being given to those sharing the Duke's birthday on April 13, 1926.

Others born in that year may also be later invited, depending on the size of the initial take-up.

The big birthday garden party is being planned at Blenheim Palace on the afternoon of Saturday, July 8. The chief executive of Blenheim Palace, John Hoy, said the Duke had been pondering the idea of hosting an event for local pensioners who shared his year of birth even before the Queen's high-profile reception, attended by 70 men and 29 women born on the same day as her.

Mr Hoy said: "Hopefully, all 250 will come from Oxfordshire. They will be all invited to bring along a guest.

"It will form an important part of the Duke's own birthday celebrations.

"Celebrating with local people of the same age would have great personal appeal for him." Among those who enjoyed a regal celebration with the Queen at Buckingham Palace in April was Jean Barrett, from Fringford.

Those hoping to take up the Duke of Marlborough's invitation should write to: The Secretary of the Estates Department, The Estates Office, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon OX20 1PP. Applicants are asked to photocopy birth certificates or provide some other evidence of their date of birth.