ELLEN Wilcox was raising a glass today as she celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends.

A grandmother of four and great-grandmother of seven, Mrs Wilcox has already received the customary telegram from the Queen.

Mrs Wilcox, who has been living at Bedwardine House Rest Home for the past five-and-a-half years, was due to be joined by her two daughters, Joan Staples and Beryl Coldicott for a modest party this afternoon.

"She's always had a sense of humour. She is a wonderful mother," said Mrs Staples, aged 73.

Mrs Wilcox was the fourth child of a family of nine, and has lived in Worcester for most of her life.

She married husband Frank in 1927, and they were wed for 64 years, until he died 11 years ago.

"She was living in Fernhill Heath when she got married," said Mrs Staples, of Christine Avenue, Rushwick, Worcester.

"She's always very keen on doing crossword puzzles, and did them until recently.

"She's been quite an expert and used to read quite a lot. She always loved words.

"My mother sees a lot of my sister and I because we both live in Rushwick."

Pat Goulding, of the home, said Mrs Wilcox had received her telegram from the Queen a few days ago.

"She's a lovely lady," said Mrs Goulding, a senior care assistant.