EDITH Thompson may be able to remember the birth of the Queen, but she was delighted when she received a telegram from the monarch marking her 100th birthday.

And the great-grandmother wasn't short of people to celebrate with as family from across the south descended on Highworth yesterday for a party to mark the occasion.

The party was organised by Edith's youngest son Roger Thompson, 69, and his wife Jennie.

"It took a lot of convincing before she agreed to have a party," said Jennie, 63.

"She kept saying she was past having parties and didn't want one.

"So in the end her grand-daughter Emma, who shares the same birthday, said well I want a party so we're having one."

Edith was born in Bermondsey, south London.

Her father, Frank Merrett, a master bricklayer, was born in Trowbridge but met Edith's mother when he moved to London.

Edith moved to Highworth 16 years ago to be closer to Roger and his family.

The centenarian's other son Brian, 71, lives with his family in Hertfordshire, and they all made the trip for the party.

And Edith said she'd had a lovely birthday.

"I've had a really nice day, but I'm very tired and need a rest," she said.

"I've had lots of presents but I don't know what I've got as I haven't opened them yet."

However, daughter-in-law Jennie said the birthday girl was secretly hoping for lots of chocolates and flowers.

Before she left for a nap, all her guests sang happy birthday to Edith.

And her three great-grandchildren, Archie, Lily and Rosie, helped her blow out her candles.

Edith, who is a resident at Hanover House, is no stranger to adventure.

In 1971 she travelled from the UK to Hong Kong on a cargo ship to visit Roger and Jennie who were living there.

"She had a great time on the ship," said Jennie.

"They used to take a few fare paying passengers on the three-month trip and they would eat with the officers.

"She really enjoyed herself."

Hanover House estate manager Jan Sullivan said everyone had had a great day.

"It has been absolutely brilliant," she said.