Veteran comedian Tommy Mundon honoured with garden party at hospice

But the 80-year-old, who has Parkinson's disease, was pleasantly surprised when staff at Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge, where he attends a day therapy session once a week, decided to hold one in his honour.

The retired comedian, who quit the Black Country circuit in 2012 because of his ill-health, had been invited to a royal garden party on June 3 for 'outstanding services to comedy and entertainment in the West Midlands'.

Ruth Davies, a sister at the hospice in Hagley Road, Oldswinford, said: "We suggested having a garden party here because he was disappointed when he couldn't go.

"We put bunting up. One of the patients had a paper crown on, pretending to be The Queen and they spent time in the garden potting plants. Everyone has had a good time.

"They have all put their heart and soul into it. It's created a real buzz."

Tommy, who lives in Halesowen, said: "I was disappointed I couldn't go to the garden party but i've had a nice time here. It's been very good."

His wife Val, 62, added: "I thought it was a wonderful gesture by the hospice. They are very kind and very thoughtful. It's a special place."

Tommy was diagnosed with Parkinson's three years ago and, at first, carried on performing.

But the condition increasingly made it harder to remember his lines and he finally threw in the towel in June 2012.

He retired after nearly 60 years of making the Midlands laugh.