Mountain of cards surprise for 100-year-old

Elsie Ward said she enjoyed reading all the "nice messages" in the cards

A woman has celebrated her 100th birthday with 170 cards from all over the world, after an appeal by her grandson on social media.

Elsie Ward from Coventry said it was "a very, very good surprise".

Greg Ward said the cards had come from everywhere, from Aberdeen to Dorset, with some from Canada, Australia and the United States.

He said the response to his appeal had been "fantastic and quite overwhelming".

"I just dont know what to say, it think its just absolutely brilliant," Ms Ward said.

"Its a great joy isn't it when you get them."

Greg Ward surprised his grandmother with the huge pile of birthday cards

There had been some "really nice messages" in the cards, she said.

Ms Ward had been the first person to move into her Tile End estate. Neighbour Helen McCleave described her as "our queen" and a "lovely, lovely lady" who always brought around cards and drinks.

Ms McCleave also said she was "amazing for 100" and did all her own gardening and other jobs around the house.

Mr Ward said his grandmother had been "just over the moon" to be surprised by the mountain of cards.