A 90-year-old woman was astonished to find she was guest of honour at a surprise birthday party at her local church.

Members of St Mary's Church, Mellor, presented villager Mary Lee with a bouquet of flowers, sherry and cake after the church service on Sunday.

Mary was born in Belthorn and ran a post office in Whalley Banks, Blackburn, with her husband Jack until the couple retired to Mellor 35 years ago, where Jack died 27 years ago.

Her daughter Anne flew over from Phoenix, America, to join the celebrations, which included a house party at Mary's home on Sunday afternoon.

Mary's son and daughter-in-law David and granddaughter Jennifer also came from Oxford for the party.

Friend and neighbour Dorothy Cowpe said Mary was an active member of the Mothers Union, a gardening club and a senior citizens club.