Members of a Chippenham Rotary club were treated to a surprise guest at the president’s dinner last Friday - Isla St Clair.

The 62-year-old Scottish folk singer became a household name when she co–hosted The Generation Game with Larry Grayson from 1978 to 1981, which pulled in 18 million viewers on a Saturday night.

Outgoing president David Ockwell booked her as a surprise thank you for Wiltshire Vale Rotary Club, but didn’t tell anyone she was coming.

He said: “They were gobsmacked.

“It was phenomenal, she took the roof off. I think she’s the best folk singer around, there’s no one better in the country.

“It was my way of saying thank you to the club. I’m just thrilled and delighted that she came. She is an extraordinary human being.”

St Clair joined 56 Rotarians and friends for a meal at Guyer’s House, Corsham, before singing and playing acoustic guitar for an hour-and-a-half.

She has released about 20 albums and made TV appearances on Morecambe and Wise, Max Bygraves Show, The Royal Variety Show, Parkinson, Blue Peter and Blankety Blank, plus her own series The Farm On The Hill.

The Rotary club’s presidency has now passed to Patrick Rule.