FRIENDS and family gathered at Magpies Social Club on Wednesday to celebrate Eleonora Abela’s 100th birthday at a surprise party.

Ms Abela, who turned 100 on Thursday, received a letter from the Queen and celebrated her landmark day with loved ones at the social club in Stonehouse.

Around thirty people attended the party which was organised by her granddaughter Serena Hassan, and Ms Abela was thrilled with her surprise.

She said:“I was surprised and didn’t expect the party but I had a really great time with my friends and family.

“I also got to see people I haven’t seen in a long time, and I was touched for receiving the letter from the Queen."

Ms Abela said the key to reaching 100 is to stay active.

"I believe you need to keep active, I don’t like to sit about all day.”

She said she keeps active by shopping regularly and cooking meals for her family.

Serena, who arranged for the cake to be made and helped to organise the party with her cousin Louise, said her grandmother cried when she saw everyone at the party and that she had a great night.

She said: "She didn’t want to cut her cake because she said it was so beautiful, she had a lovely night.

“I think my grandmother is an amazing person, she’s an independent woman who lives alone and still goes shopping alone, and she loves to cook a meal for the family."