A FORMER mayor of Llandudno was the surprise star of a community party when he delivered a rendition of the popular ballad, Danny Boy.

John Ridley, who worked as a plumber before retirement, showed off his singing talent at the party organised by Cartrefi Conwy housing association to celebrate older age groups in society.

John, 84, an ex-local councillor and mayor of Llandudno, was given rapturous applause after the performance of the popular song.

It wasn’t part of the official programme for the event but friends and neighbours persuaded him to kick off the afternoon’s activities with the inspirational tune.

His stirring performance brought tears to the eyes of Cartrefi Conway board vice chairman Bill Hunt, who said: “He has a simply wonderful voice. It is so emotional hearing him sing.”

The get-together was organised to mark the nationwide Celebrating Age Festival which runs throughout October and began with the national Day of the Older Person on October 1.

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The month-long festival aims to promote ageing well; including challenging stereotypes around ageing, celebrating older voices, and encouraging everyone to try something new.

Now long retired from his plumbing career and council duties, John is living with dementia, but he says music is his salvation.

He loves to sing and still remembers all the lyrics to many popular numbers by heart.

He puts his musical talent down to his Welsh heritage, having lived in Llandudno since childhood and played the cornet for the Llandudno Town Band for several years.

He said: “I was born on the Great Orme. I’ve always loved music.”

John was with his wife Pat and daughter Linzi at the party at Trinity Community Centre, Llandudno.

Friend Sheila Campbell, who runs the local Well Women Club, said: “John loves singing and we knew he would give a fabulous performance so we asked if he could sing to us to open the start of the entertainment section of the party. His performance was wonderful, he has such a melodious voice.”

Their other Celebrating Age Festival parties were held by Cartrefi Conwy in Colwyn Bay, Llanfairfechan, Rhos-on-Sea, and Llanrwst.

Residents enjoyed a home-made sandwiches and cakes buffet lunch, party garlands, singing, dancing and party games entertainment.

All the food was prepared by Sheila Campbell and her friends from the Well Women Club, which she runs every Tuesday afternoon.

Also on the entertainment programme was professional singer Cat McArdle, of Penmaenmawr, who called out the numbers in a humorous bingo game before leading partygoers in a song and dance session.

Kelly and her fellow party organisers from Cartrefi Conwy also arranged a raffle with a selection of homeware themed prizes and proceeds going to the charity Conwy MIND.