WORLD-famous opera singer Alfie Boe serenaded an East Lancashire matriarch with her own special rendition of 'Happy Birthday'.

The Blackpool-born tenor was drafted in to headline the 90th birthday celebrations of Nora Walker, owner of the Stanley House Hotel and Spa at Mellor.

Alfie, who has wowed audiences with his work at Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and took the leading role in Finding Neverland on Broadway, rattled through a medley of his hits for the occasion.

He performed the likes of 'Bring Him Home', 'The Way You Look Tonight', 'Mambo' and 'Stompin' at the Savoy', before an array of guests.

But the crowning glory was the chart-topper's version of 'Happy Birthday', which is said to have brought the house down.

Speaking later, Mrs Walker said: "Alfie's my absolute favourite. He performed at the Queen’s 92nd birthday last year, so to have him headline my celebrations was a real dream come true. His performance was outstanding.

"I'm so grateful my wonderful family created such a starry night of surprises - all our guests were as amazed and shocked as I was

"It was full of cherished moments and I really don't know how they managed to keep the evening’s incredible entertainment under wraps."

Mrs Walker is the widow of Fred Walker, who along with brother and Blackburn Rovers benefactor Jack Walker, marshalled the fortunes of Walker Steel, building up the firm from a back-street scrap dealer to a national player.

Stanley House has been in the Walker family for some time, with the grade II listed former manor house transformed into a prestige venue in 2004.

The hotel still boasts Mr Fred's bar, which itself was given a major overhaul in 2010. He died at his home on Osbaldeston in 2012.

Seventy of Mrs Walker's family and friends assembled for the surprise bash.