FAMILY and friends from all over the world gathered near Dorchester to help celebrate Mabel Reep's 100th birthday.

Around 50 guests yesterday raised a glass to the guest of honour at the Pine Lodge Farm Tea Rooms in Stinsford.

Mrs Reep, who lives at Montrose Residential Care Home in Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, received a special card from the Queen congratulating her on reaching the landmark birthday.

Her four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren were among the guests, who also enjoyed a buffet lunch and marvelled at tricks performed by a conjuror.

And Dorchester Mayor, Molly Rennie, also joined the celebrations.

Mrs Reep said she was excited about the card from the Queen, and said: "I had a really nice day, it was lovely to catch up with everybody, especially some of the grandchildren I have never seen."

Mrs Reep's son David, 71, from Dorchester, said people had come from as far away as Australia, Canada, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and Wales for the special day.

He said his mother moved to Dorchester 18 months ago, after living in Cornwall and spending 40 years in Paignton, Devon.

Mrs Reep requested that guests make donations to cancer research charities and Methodist churches across the world instead of giving her birthday presents.

The co-proprietor of Montrose Residential Care Home, Sue Taylor, said: "It was super to be invited to join in with her special day."