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 pensioners 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 new octogenarians to join him at his palace in Woodstock.

He initially wants to hear from other Oxfordshire pensioners who have recently had, or are about to celebrate, 80th birthdays.

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 shose sharing the Duke's birhday.

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

The big garden party is being planned at Blenheim Palace for Saturday, July 8.

Palace chief executive John Hoy said the Duke had been pondering the idea of hosting an event for local pensioners who shared his year of birth before the Queen's 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.

"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.

Mrs Barrett, from Fringford, near Bicester, will now have the chance to enjoy a second birthday celebration at a palace within three months.

Those hoping to take up the 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.