A great grandmother went up, up and away in a helicopter to mark her 80th birthday.

Dorothy Piper had been kept in the dark about the birthday surprise by her family who played down any celebrations when she talked about her birthday.

But secret plans were afoot to send Mrs Piper skywards. Mr Stevens said: "The actual fascination came from a balloon. She has always wanted to go up in a balloon."

After inquiries were made, the family found out that when the balloon comes down, the basket sometimes tips over and they felt it might be dangerous.

So the family had a rethink and just before 11am yesterday, a helicopter was sighted coming into land in a field near Holland Road, Little Clacton.

While her husband Fred kept his feet on the ground Mrs Piper and her grandchildren and great grandchildren clambered aboard.

Mr and Mrs Piper, who have been married for 58 years, have only been living in the village in Hazelwood Crescent for a few months after moving from Worthing, Sussex.

Mr Piper said: "They kept it quiet. All their neighbours knew about it but we didn't know a dicky bird."

Mrs Piper's son John said: "I was amazed how brave she was, walking straight in, headphones on, she just doesn't seem to have any fear.

"She didn't even think I'd be here. I was supposed to be in Paris today it's all part of the surprise."

The half-hour flight in the B Air Charter helicopter covered the local area watched by her family. Mrs Piper, who has seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, said: "It's a complete surprise.

"They are devilish children I have got. They couldn't have given me a better gift and to have them all together is wonderful. It's a wonderful experience I could have stayed up for hours."

Daughter Jenny Stevens said she got together with her brother John and sister Barbara to pay for the flight.

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