WITH almost 100 years between two of those present it was a family get-together you don't see every day.

A joint family celebration in Southampton saw Gwen Bugden celebrate her 100th birthday on the same day as her great-great-granddaughter Grace Andrews was baptised.

But for Gwen the birthday celebrations almost didn't happen as 15 years ago on her birthday her husband William died and since then she has refused to celebrate her birthday.

With her 100th birthday fast approaching, Gwen's granddaughter, Angela, suggested a double celebration after realising the newest member of the family was due to be baptised on her birthday.

Gwen, who was due to receive a telegram from the Queen congratulating her on reaching triple figures, jumped at the chance.

Up to 90 family members attended the service at Peartree Church for the nine-month-old tot before everyone headed back home for a birthday party at Gwen's granddaughter's house.

Gwen, who was born in Andover, said: "I'm on top of the world. One hundred years old is a lot but the Lord has been good to me. I have a nice family to look after me.

"I like to watch a good game of billiards or darts and I love the Saints."

The ardent Saints supporter has four children, seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and now one great-great-granddaughter.

Grace's mum, 29-year-old Sabrina Brindley, said: "It was really nice because I didn't even realise it was her 100th birthday.

"It wasn't planned and Angela mentioned it was her nan's birthday after we had booked it. So it was a double celebration really."

Angela Andrews, 51, of Peartree Avenue, said: "Her husband died 15 years ago on her birthday and she hasn't liked celebrating her birthday ever since.

"She wasn't even going to bother celebrating her 100th. But when she heard it would be a joint celebration with Grace she was more than happy to do it."

Gwen, a former music teacher who now lives in the Grange Nursing Home, Hedge End, celebrated her birthday at Angela's home with a glass of sherry and a pint of John Smith's.