THE family of an 85-year-old woman who lay in a ditch for two days are planning a low-key celebration after she leaves hospital in four days.

Great-grandmother Eve May was found by police sniffer dogs in a field at the end of Hilson Drive, Fareham, after going missing at 3pm on Monday.

She was discovered barely conscious, dehydrated and suffering from pneumonia after a member of the public spotted her and tipped off police.

Daughter Jackie Rowsell of Cam's Hill, Portchester, said: "She is going to stay in hospital for four days as she's on a course of antibiotics."

Son-in-law John Rowsell said: "We are not planning a party, we are just pleased that she is back. She's so old and frail that we want to keep the celebrations low-key."

Mr Rowsell said that exactly where his mother-in-law has been for the last two days could remain a mystery forever.

"She hasn't said very much about it because she is quite confused. She hasn't really realised that she has been missing for two days," he said.

Frances Hudson, owner of Farehaven Lodge where Mrs May lives, told the Echo that staff and residents are thrilled she has been found and are looking forward to seeing her.

"We feared the worst You can't help but have your doubts and we feared about her health. But we tried to stay positive throughout," said Mrs Hudson.

"She is a lovely lady and we are all looking forward to having her back here. We expect her to come back here."