Celebrations were in order at a care home near York when resident Elsie Widgery notched up a major milestone.

The Queen was among those who sent 100th birthday congratulations to Elsie at the Oaklands Country Rest Home, in Kirk Hammerton.

The home's 26 residents joined in a party yesterday to mark the occasion and birthday wishes poured in from Elsie's large circle of friends, including some from New Zealand.

"It was very nice indeed. I got plenty of flowers and cards and they were all beautiful," she said.

Elsie, who lived in Acomb before moving to the home, originally hails from Golders Green, London, and worked in the City of London as a solicitor's clerk.

She puts her longevity down to working hard throughout her life.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, April 02, 2001