Tom still a sex bomb at 60

Tom and Cerys Matthews formed a successful double act

Tom Jones celebrated his 60th birthday in true showbiz fashion - 30,000ft up in the air flying in to LA for a party.

Jones aims to arrive at his American home in time to mark the day with his wife and family after nearly four months on the road in Australia and New Zealand.

The Welsh superstar is busier than he has been in a long time with his cover versions album Reload - which is at number four in the charts - helped by a string of singles successes.

I only hope to keep doing what I love to do so much, for as long as I can

Tom Jones

Teaming up with fellow Welsh musicians Cerys Matthews and the Stereophonics has proved a hugely successful move for Jones, who first shot to prominence in the Sixties with It's Not Unusual.

A survey published on Wednesday showed that his recent releases have eclipsed many of his early songs from the Sixties and Seventies.

Reload is also poised to return to the number one position on Sunday, according to industry sales figures.

Top of the Pops: Tom has enjoyed recent hits

His current single with Mousse T, Sex Bomb, is voted the best song for fans to throw their underwear at the star, in a television poll.

Jones, who won a Best Male Brit Award in March, said on Wednesday that he had been given numerous birthday messages.

"It's a great feeling to receive so many warm thoughts and good wishes on the occasion of my birthday this year," he said.

"It has been a fantastic last 12 months - I certainly could not have predicted how wonderful life would be for me at this point in time.

"I am deeply appreciative of my blessings on a daily basis and only hope to keep doing what I love to do so much, for as long as I can."