PENSIONERS celebrating their 80th birthday on the same day as the Queen may be invited to a celebration at Buckingham Palace.

Palace staff are asking anyone who is 80 on April 21 2006 and interested in putting their name forward to attend a royal reception and lunch on the 19th to contact Colonel Sir John Timmins, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester to register.

They will need to write into the office giving evidence of their birthday by enclosing a photocopy of a birth certificate, passport or driving licence.

A spokesman for the lord lieutenant's office said: "The event is similar to the one the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh organised for their golden wedding in 2002 when they invited couples celebrating their own big day to join them."

Invitations will be sent to selected people.

Applications should be sent to The Lieutenancy Office, Byrom House, Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3JD, or for further inquiries ring 0161 834 0490.