A 92-YEAR-OLD in Sherborne got to meet one of her screen heroes when he dropped in for a visit.

Mary Tompkins is a big fan of ITV weather presenter Charlie Powell – and when staff at The Hayes residential home in Sherborne launched a Wishing Tree initiative, she told them she would love to meet him.

Keen to help her fulfill her ambition, the Hayes team got in touch with ITV, who to their delight said he would be delighted to pop round for a visit.

So it was that Mary ended up sharing a cuppa and a chat with her screen favourite.

Activities officer at The Hayes, Vicky Feltham, said: “We started a Wishing Tree last September when Care Dorset took over The Hayes and asked all the people we support to tell us their wishes.

“We want to show that coming is just a new chapter which can be enriching, fulfilling and fun.

“Wishes granted so far have included a boat ride for a former Royal Navy officer and even a flight in a helicopter.”

She said staff were unsure they could help Mary with her wish to meet Charlie, but were delighted with the response from TV bosses.

“At first, we were a little daunted when Mary said she wanted to meet her favourite weather presenter Charlie. But we sent a message via the ITV Facebook page and were amazed when they came straight back to us saying he would be delighted to visit.”

Vicky’s fellow activities officer, Bev Williams, added: “Mary adores Charlie and tells everyone to shush when he comes on the TV each night.

Charlie with Mary and staff at The Hayes in Sherborne

“It hasn’t been easy keeping this all a secret from her, especially as she has a big family with lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren who visit her often. But we invited her family in for a tea party beforehand and then Charlie made his grand entrance.”

Striding into Mary’s tea party, Charlie said: “I understand you wanted to meet me, Mary?”

And a stunned Mary exclaimed: “Oh Charlie! You look exactly the same as you do on the telly! They told me they didn’t think they would be able to get you to come,” she told the presenter. I’m so happy. You’re my favourite.”

Mary has been living at The Hayes since March 2022.

Her daughter, Dawn Payne, said: “Mum has vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s and was really struggling at home before coming into The Hayes. But now she is doing well.

“She loves taking part in all the activities and has made many friends.

“We are so grateful to Care Dorset colleagues for making this wish come true for her and to Charlie for coming all the way from Exeter to meet her. This will be all she talks about for months to come.”

A further surprise came when Charlie invited Mary to introduce his weather forecast, which went out live across the West Country from The Hayes.

And intrepid Mary proved a natural in front of the camera.

Mary took to the screen herself as Charlie’s co-presenter for the day

Charlie left The Hayes after signing autographs for Mary and colleagues.

“It’s been lovely to meet Mary and her family today and incredibly flattering to know how much she enjoys my weather reports,” he said.

“She has also been an excellent co-presenter.”