FIVE generations of one family came together to celebrate a great-great grandmother's 90th birthday.

Elsie Hastie of Rylands Court, Westhoughton, was toasted by 60 relatives at a surprise birthday bash at Westhoughton Cricket Club.

Relatives who had lost touch with each other met up for the first time in years and one of Mrs Hastie's five grandchildren, Shirley Bimpson, flew from Minneapolis, America, to see her after eight years away from England.

Guests enjoyed a buffet and presented Mrs Hastie with a 90th birthday cake.

She has three children, 11 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two great great children. Five generations attended the party including daughter Joan Bimpson, aged 59, Joan's daughter Janet Davies, aged 41, Janet's daughter Michelle, aged 21 and Michelle's one-year-old daughter Robin.

Mrs Hastie, a former weaver, was born in Westhoughton and was married to her husband, William, until his death six years ago.

Another of Mrs Hastie's daughters, Bettie Hampson, said: "Mum looks after herself and enjoys taking part in all the activities at Rylands Court. She comes shopping with me and enjoys baking. She is in good health and does very well for her age.

"The party was a complete surprise and she was over the moon. She thoroughly enjoyed it."

Her actual 90th birthday is today.