Rugby-mad Gladys Laughton enjoyed a special 100th birthday treat - beefcake with a side portion of cauliflower ears.

For helping her notch up her century were players from Basildon Rugby Club, who arrived to help her celebrate.Not only did she get a birthday card from the Queen but the players sang her happy birthday and presented her with a club glass and a big bunch of flowers.

Gladys, who lives in the Chelmer residential section of the Ghyllgrove nursing home in Basildon, was delighted with the surprise, according to care leader Rosemary Marshall.

She said: "She loves sport, especially rugby and it made her day having all the players there with her.

"They gave her the flowers and the glass and sang happy birthday for her."

She said Gladys is a very alert woman, and that she had an immensely enjoyable day with lots of flowers, friends and relatives enjoying the cake, wine and other party goodies available.

Gladys has been at Chelmer House for just over two years, having spent most of her life in south east London.

In the line-out - Gladys was tickled pink by the visit by Basildon Rugby Club players

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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