IT was going to be anything but a quiet evening when mother-of-ten Hilda Salmon celebrated her 80th birthday.

It turned out to be a real family affair: which was not surprising given that Hilda, of Parsonage Close, Bury, was herself one of 11 children, and has 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Her massive family turned out in force at a surprise party to help the widow celebrate her milestone birthday in style. More than 100 guests gathered at the Salisbury Club in Bury last Friday.

Hilda said: "It was a great evening and one to remember. I thoroughly enjoyed myself."