A CROSSWORD loving grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday surrounded by cheering family and friends. Betty Robinson, of The Street, Little Dunmow, received a card from the Queen and a very personal letter from the Irish Prime Minister, Bria

A CROSSWORD loving grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday surrounded by cheering family and friends.

Betty Robinson, of The Street, Little Dunmow, received a card from the Queen and a very personal letter from the Irish Prime Minister, Brian Cowen.

Speaking at the party at the Hilton Hotel in Stansted, she said that receiving both the card and the letter was fantastic and that it was wonderful see so many family members.

Her granddaughter, Teresa Barrett, said that Betty had been in Ireland for part of her life before meeting husband Tony and getting married in Scotland. Sadly he died 15 years ago. Since then Betty has been living with one of her 10 children, daughter Maureen Rose.

Teresa said: "The party was brilliant; we had magicians, Scottish pipers and her grandson Lawrence Robinson sang her favourite opera songs, including Lift Me Up. Everyone really enjoyed it and nan did not go home until 10pm.