THREE Knights of the Realm brought a standing ovation from 260 guests celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of the region's family-owned hotel chains.
Star of a birthday cabaret, Sir Norman Wisdom, had already brought the house down at Ramside Hall Hotel with his rendition of his famous signature tune Don't laugh at me 'cos I'm a fool.
But then Sir Norman was joined on stage by Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson and North-East entrpreneur Sir John Hall, who with rapturous applause belted out a second unrehearsed version of the comedian's famous song.
Sir Norman had flown from his Isle of Man home to take part in the festivities to mark the founding of the Ramside Hall Hotel in 1963.
And during a gala dinner there was a toast to guest of honour Mrs Peggy McIntyre, the 91-year-old widow of Gordon McIntyre, who along with the late Dick Coleman founded the hotel chain four decades ago.
Once the home of the Pemberton family, Ramside Hall Hotel, is the flagship of the chain, which includes Hardwick Hall, Bowburn Hall, Saints Bar in Durham, the Beyond Bar and Grill in Newcastle and Ramside Event Catering.
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