Ninety nonagenarians gathered for a tea party to celebrate a zoo’s 90th birthday.

Drusillas Park near Alfriston invited the pensioners to enjoy a free trip to the zoo and cream teas to mark the anniversary.

The ten-acre park is home to wild and domestic animals and opened in 1925.

Each 90-year-old brought a guest and they were entertained by the brass band from Buckswood School in Guestling, near Hastings.

Michael Ann, son of the original founder of the park, also gave a short talk to the guests.

Former RAF Spitfire pilot Maurice Macey, 92, was among the guests in attendance.

A member of the Caterpillar Club, Mr Macey earned the nickname Hawkeye for his ability to spot enemy planes.

In the past, he and his wife Arlene frequented the Friday night tea dances at Drusillas and remember enjoying many bacon and egg suppers during their courtship.

Animal enthusiasts and long-time supporters of Drusillas Park, Betty and Richard Morris, also attended.

Mrs Morris became the most senior member of the zoo team when she signed up to be a keeper for the day to mark her own 90th birthday.

Managing director Christine Smith said: “We would like to thank each and every one of our 90-year-old guests that helped us celebrate today, as well as Michael Ann and all the students of Buckswood School.

“It’s been a wonderful day and it was great to hear so many fantastic stories regarding peoples’ memories of Drusillas throughout the years.

“We hope to continue to entertain people for many generations to come.”

The zoo also collected memories throughout the decades to make a video to mark the occasion.

Fellow director Laurence Smith said: “We have a very small amount of footage we have gathered but we wanted to see more, particularly any old cine films.

“Ninety years ago the park was established as tea rooms and a small zoo with the underlying principle of providing a fun day out for all the family.

“Times have changed but with our heritage very much in mind, we continue to provide each generation the best day out.”

Background

Drusillas Park was founded in 1925 when the late Captain Ann bought a derelict farm and 20 acres of land and opened a cottage to sell teas to passing motorists.

He named the tea room after his first wife, Drusilla, adding attractions and animals to boost trade.

The park remained in the family until 1997 when it was bought by current owners Laurence and Christine Smith.

Joined today by daughters Cassandra and Caroline, the Smiths brought Thomas the Tank Engine to the park in 2007 and launched the first Hello Kitty attraction in Europe last year.