BIG HEARTED neighbours of Rose Jefferies, who has reached her 100th year, rallied round to give the Wellington centenarian a birthday to remember.

All 29 neighbours in Drakes Park, in the town, donated cash to buy Rose a bouquet of flowers, a card and some chocolates.

Valerie Byrne of 6, Drakes Park, who organised the whip-round, said: "I never expected everyone to give so willingly."

A slap-up family birthday party was also held at Oake Manor Golf Club when more than 30 relatives and friends gathered to mark Rose's momentous milestone.