Sir Cliff Richard is celebrating his 82nd birthday today and to mark this we have taken a look back at some of his visits to the Watford area.

Back on April 5, 1963, the Watford Observer reported how 16-year-old Watford Grammar School girl Sheila Liberty wrote to this newspaper seeking a meeting with the music star but hardly daring to dream that her wish would become reality.

However, the Observer, by special arrangement with Cliff’s manager, took Sheila, of Addiscombe Road, Watford, along to the Gaumont Theatre on March 29 to meet Cliff where he was performing with The Shadows.

Afterwards Sheila said: “He was wonderful although he was not as tall as I thought he would be.”

Watford Observer: Cliff Richard at St Andrew's ChurchCliff Richard at St Andrew's Church (Image: Newsquest)

The artist, who has sold more than 250 million records worldwide in a career spanning more than six decades, was back in the area in November 1970 when he visited St Andrew’s Church in Chorleywood.

Watford Observer: Cliff Richard visited Chorleywood in 1970Cliff Richard visited Chorleywood in 1970 (Image: Newsquest)