By Catriona Stewart Janet Cairley celebrated her 107th birthday with her fourth royal telegram - then challenged the Queen to make an appearance at her 108th.

Mrs Cairley's latest telegram from the Queen - she received one on her 100th, one at 105 and another last year - was presented by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Patricia Thomson.

And while Mrs Cairley was pleased to get recognition from the monarch, she said: "I'm holding on until she presents it herself. When is she coming to meet me?"

Mrs Cairley's life began when Queen Victoria was still on the throne, but it was only 18 months ago the pensioner moved into care at Millview Home in Barrhead, the scene of yesterday's celebration.

The mother-of-eight has 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Her twin sons, 81, granddaughter Linda Hay, 53, and half-sister Sarah Fuller, 82, all turned out to wish her a happy birthday.

Her granddaughter said: "We are so proud of her. She always makes sure she has her hair and nails done. She takes a pride in her appearance and we take a pride in her."

With five siblings and seven half-siblings, Janet was born in Newton Mearns, but grew up in Pollokshaws, Glasgow, before marrying Sammy.

The pair were together 71 years, during which her husband was injured while serving with the Royal Artillery, but he lived until he was 91. Mrs Cairley has also outlived her three daughters.

She worked until she was 70, her last job being a cleaner at Shawlands Bowling Club.

A childhood passion for horses has stayed with her for life and she says her ambition is to ride a horse one last time - and she still enjoys the occasional bet at the bookies.

Sarah Fuller added: "She's had quite a life, seeing two world wars, living through two centuries and her four boys served in the forces.

"She likes a wee tipple and is still full of life."