Residents of two Banstead care homes were able to sign a birthday card for the Queen thanks to a 69-year-old cyclist riding the length and breadth of Britain.

Terry Keen, 69, a resident at Willow Glade retirement home in Reigate, is completing a 1,400-mile journey from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Helston in Cornwall, encouraging retirement homes' residents to sign the card.

Mr Keen visited Greenacres and Ridgemount care homes, both in The Horseshoe, Banstead, on Saturday, April 16 – five days before Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday.

He will deliver the card to Buckingham Palace in May.

At Greenacres, Mr Keen received a homemade hamper from grateful residents, and helped out with a charity car wash (pictured below).

Surrey Comet:

L-R: Greenacres activities co-ordinator, resident Margaret Smith and Terry Keen helping with the charity car wash

Ridgemount’s oldest resident and Royal Family fan Lily Sack, 103, welcomed Mr Keen to the care home.

She said: “It’s really something that Terry is travelling around the whole of England to bring this birthday card for older people and Anchor staff to sign. It means so much to us because we all think very highly of her Majesty.”

Mr Keen, who has been on the road since March 14, said: “I really admire the Queen for all her hard work and for being such a wonderful ambassador for the country.

“I wanted to give something special to her on her 90th birthday so thought why not a birthday card signed by older people from across the country.

“The card is also a good way for them to feel part of this national celebration – not many other people will have signed a birthday card that has travelled around England and will be read by the Queen.”

Mr Keen is raising money for Grandparents Plus – a national charity which champions the role of grandparents and the wider family in children’s lives. To donate, visit https://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/grandparentsplus/tourdeterry