Terry Wogan made a splash at birthday bash in Morley

The world-renowned presenter, who died aged 77 in January, visited the town on his 38th birthday on August 3, 1976.

And two photographs captured the moment Mr Wogan officially opened the £140,000 Fastnet fish restaurant, which is now known as The Mermaid, in Britannia Road.

After flying from London on a private plane, he was driven from Yeadon in a bright yellow Model-T Ford, accompanied by a woman dressed as a mermaid, to the restaurant’s entrance in Morley.

The famous Hofbrauhaus Oompah Band, dressed in nautical attire, welcomed him as he arrived and he was introduced to crowds of onlookers by entertainer Bert Gaunt.

Mr Wogan ceremoniously presented Ted Drake, from Yeadon, with a £50 cheque after he caught the largest freshwater fish in the area two weeks before his arrival.

To mark his birthday, members of the Pavilion Star Bingo and Social Club gave the BBC Radio One DJ a large birthday card, which was signed by more than 400 people.

Restaurant managers at the time said they estimated more than 14,000 customers every week would pass through their doors.

The extravagant visit was uncovered by Clive McManus and the pictures are taken from the Morley Community Archive.