But, while the mother-of-three from Croft Drive, Bramham may have blended in well with the crowd, many will be surprised to learn that Gladys was actually the principal organiser behind the party rather than a guest.

And Gladys hasn't just been arranging the popular February parties for the benefit of Bramham's elderly for a few years either, she's been involved with them for over four decades in various guises.

As Brown Owl of Bramham Brownies for over 25 years, she used to enlist the young brownies' help to serve tea, coffee and other refreshments.

And as a life-long member of Bramham Drama Group she has always ensured the village's thespians have provided much-appreciated entertainment.

But her biggest recent contribution to the popular February parties to date has been her determination and willingness to fundraise for them in her own home every summer to ultimately keep them going.

Financial support for the events from elsewhere dried up some years back until Gladys - at the age of 75 - decided to step in and re-instate them.

"The February parties stopped happening in the village hall some years ago and everyone, who remembered me getting the brownies involved for so many years, kept saying how much they missed them," said Gladys.

"So I decided to get them going again about five or six years ago and I started having garden parties in the summer to raise money to buy the food, flowers, serviettes and everything.

"I've had five gardens parties here at my home and last year we raised over £300 which was a really good year.

"But there's lots of people involved who help out now and so it's not just me who raises the money."

Gladys's garden parties have become something of a diary date for many in the village as they take place in the height of summer and tea and scones are served along with a tombola - all for a £1 entrance.

"My daughter Ali helps out along with my other daughter Pauline and my son David and then there's Elizabeth Bustard, Gillian Young from the church, Peggy Kitchen and Mavis Wilson the treasurer and of course my friend Denise.

"There are lots of people though that I need to thank for their support over the years and I hope they continue to keep the February parties going because I'm stepping down this year.

"I've decided to step back from organising them now because I'm 80 this year.

"The only trouble is that I'll want to get up on stage with the drama group like I have for so many years and sing Daisy Daisy!"