TERRY Tebbutt had been planning to celebrate his 90th birthday in style, surrounded by loved ones who were travelling from far-flung corners of the world.

But when the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to the lavish celebrations, his family came up with a Plan B - hiring a chauffeur to take him and wife Dee on a tour of Weymouth and Portland to see relatives and friends.

Terry's daughter Linda, who organised the celebrations, said: "Sadly Covid-19 changed everything and we did our best to pull together a replacement event to at least let Dad comfortably and safely celebrate his birthday with family and friends.

"To that end we hired a chauffeur-driven car to take mum and dad on a small tour around Weymouth and Portland to drop off cake and fizz to a few long standing friends and members of the family."

The Echo caught up with the birthday tour as it arrived at Camp Road, Weymouth, where bunting had been hung and family members were gathered on the drive to toast Mr Tebbutt, who remained in the safety of the car with wife Dee throughout the day.

Dorset Echo: Cheers! Terry raises a glass with family and friends from the safety of a chaffeur driven car Cheers! Terry raises a glass with family and friends from the safety of a chaffeur driven car

Mr Tebbutt's original party plans had included a celebration bash with relatives travelling from across the world, including sons and grandsons who live in Australia, New Zealand and Spain.

Dorset Echo: Terry and Dee Tebbutt celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this yearTerry and Dee Tebbutt celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this year

His granddaughter and her family were also due to travel from Scotland for the occasion.

Despite the setback, a beaming Terry Tebbutt said he had loved his celebrations.

He added: "I've had a fantastic birthday. I was very pleasantly surprised when the car arrived. We went on a tour of Weymouth to visit family and friends."

Mr Tebbutt said he's lived in Weymouth nearly all his life after moving to the town aged five. As an adult he worked for the police force and later the prison service, including Portland Borstal (now the YOI) and Guys Marsh before retiring in 1990. He and Dee celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this year.

"I really had no idea what they were planning," he added. "I kept asking people what was happening.

"It feels wonderful to be 90 - I never thought I'd make it."