SCHOOL pupils performed songs for a great grandmother-of-four to celebrate her 108th birthday.

Bessie Farnworth, from Atherton, was greeted by around 20 pupils from Hindsford CE Primary School who gave her their best wishes in style.

They sung a number of their favourite tracks for Bessie at Hillcrest Residential Home in Tyldesley where she lives.

A buffet lunch was provided on the day and Bessie was presented with a cake to mark the special occasion.

Bessie's son Wilf, 75, said: "One of the pupils' grandads told him about my Mum so he went into class and asked a teacher if they could come in to see her.

"The children were all aged around eight years old and they found it unbelievable that my mum was aged 100 years older than them.

"My mum loves having children around so she enjoyed them being there.

"The other residents perked up as well."

Bessie received her fifth birthday card from the Queen to mark her landmark age. 

She was also sent a telegram-themed card from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for the fifth time too.

Bessie, who worked at Woolworths in Leigh, married her husband Tom at Bolton Road Methodist Church in May 1941 and was with him until he died at the age of 90 in 2004. 

In 2011, she starred in a Channel 4 programme after featuring in a Journal article in which she celebrated her 100th birthday with a helicopter ride.

Bessie was also a member of of the methodist church choir.

Master of Tyldesley Masonic Lodge Eddie Friar presented a card and flowers to Bessie as well.

As Tom was a member of the organisation and it is customary for widows to be given gifts on their birthdays.