AN IRISH themed party was the only appropriate way to celebrate when a woman reached the big 100.

Ann Cheshire spent much of her younger life in Ireland and still has a broad Irish accent so the staff at Burrows House, Derwent Road, Penge, went big on the Irish theme for the celebrations.

And lots of her family, including her 20 nieces and nephews, came over from the Emerald Isle to join in the fun.

She not only received a message from the Queen, but also a letter from the President of Ireland to commemorate the day.

One of the carers at Burrows House, Mary Duncan, said: “The day itself was absolutely brilliant. It couldn't have gone better.

“She had a wonderful time and when she saw all her family she lit up like sunshine. “I wish she was my grandmother.”