Joan Grose, who met the veteran rock star six years ago, shared that her wish was to be reunited with her idol and so the team at Mountfitchet House set out to give her a party to remember.

Knowing the distance from Los Angeles to Essex was too far for Sir Rod to pop in for an afternoon – although he also has a home in Sheering – they instead arranged the next best thing, surprising Joan with a visit by a Rod Stewart impersonator.

Greg Dorrell gave Joan and her friends at the Coltsfield home their own private performance, singing a range of the Scottish crooner’s best-known hits, including Joan’s favourite, Sailing, and Forever Young

Joan said: “It was the best party I’ve ever attended. The team had planned so many surprises.

“It’s almost impossible to say what my favourite part of the day was, but Rod Stewart definitely added a special touch. I feel great to have reached such a milestone!”

To help make Joan’s birthday even more special, the team threw a party, inviting her family, friends and fellow residents, complete with a red carpet entrance, party food and a special cake made by the home’s talented head chef.

Home manager Joanna Duke said: “Joan is a much-loved resident here at Mountfitchet House, and it’s no secret that she’s a huge Rod Stewart fan – she has every album he’s ever made and is always playing them and having a boogie.

“When Joan shared that she’d once been lucky enough to meet him and that her birthday wish was to meet him again, the team knew they had to organise a surprise she’d never forget – the look on Joan’s face when Greg walked in was priceless.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the team for making Joan’s birthday such a special one – and Rod, if you see this, it’s not too late to send a birthday card!”

Joan also received a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.