Surrounded by four generations of her family, Barbara Esbester celebrated her 100th birthday in style with a glass of champagne and a slice of cake.

More than 30 people came to visit her for her big day, including her 93-year-old sister Marjory Towler, who came all the way from Bournemouth, and her seven-year-old great-granddaughter Kerri Page. Staff at the Aabletone Nursing and Residential Home in Stoke Bishop had decked out one of the rooms with balloons, bunting and streamers.

Mrs Esbester said "I've had a lovely day, and enjoyed seeing all my family and getting a card from the Queen."

A born-and-bred Bristolian, Mrs Esbester lived in her own home in Sneyd Park until four years ago.

Born on March 2, 1909, she had four children with husband Ernie - Jean, Michael, Mary and David.

Ernie, the former deputy city valuer of Bristol, played for Bristol City when they were in the southern league, rugby for Clifton and Somerset and cricket for Knowle. Mrs Esbester had her hands full as a housewife and raising her children, but after Ernie died in 1963 she worked as a secretary at the County Ground, and later for Rennick, Wilton and Dobson coal merchants in Bristol. She was also a keen cricket and hockey player.

Son Michael, 72, said: "Mum has had enough flowers to set up a florist, and also got her letter from the Queen, which she was very pleased with. It is wonderful seeing her like this."

He added : "I asked mum the other day what it feels like to be 100, and she looked at me and said 'I feel 200'.

"After all these years she still has her sense of humour."