FIVE generations of Gladys Tiley's family came together to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Relatives said she was "overwhelmed" with the number of flowers, cards and presents she received on her special day.

Cards from the Queen, First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Welsh secretary Peter Hain arrived - and she was also presented with flowers from the mayor at her party at the Park Place senior citizens hall in Risca.

Mrs Tiley's daughter, Roma Thorpe, said more than 80 people were at the party.

Guests included her other children, Jim, Brian and Valerie, her eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs Tiley was born on May 22, 1905, in Rochdale in Lancashire and worked in the cotton mills.

She met her husband Frederick Tiley, from Abertillery, when visiting a friend in the area who had married a Welsh man.

The couple courted from a distance and married at St Mary's Church, Risca, in 1931.

Mrs Tiley, who was a member of the Labour Party for more than 70 years, then stayed at home to raise her family.

She still lives in Risca and lives independently, with help from carers and her family.

Mrs Thorpe said her mother had been in poor health during recent months, but is now recovered and was able to thoroughly enjoy her birthday.

"It all went really well - she was overwhelmed," she said. "She has had a wonderful life."