AN OCTOGENARIAN’S family pulled out all the stops to give her a surprise birthday party with more than 100 guests.

Janet Moxom, from Dorchester, turned 80 years old on July 5.

To celebrate, her family arranged not one, but two surprise gatherings.

The first was a small family affair, with a meal out with her three children and their partners, on her birthday.

But four days later a second surprise saw more than 100 friends and family come together for a huge birthday bash.

The large crowd is perhaps to be expected from a woman with no fewer than 10 greatgrandchildren.

Her daughter, Lisa Flood, said: “Once the birthday girl had gotten over her initial shock, Janet and her guests ate, drank and danced into the wee small hours.”

Janet was born in Sherborne in 1936, the oldest child of seven siblings.

Aged 15, she left Sherborne Girls School to work in The Glove Factory where her love of sewing blossomed.

She remained there until she married and started her family.

For nearly 40 years she lived in Godmanstone near Dorchester, raising her three children Elaine, Kevin and Lisa.

Since 1994 she has lived in Sandringham.

Among her many birthday gifts, Janet received flower bouquets, a cream tea afternoon, a trip to Southampton, a show at Bournemouth Pavilion and jewellery.

A skype conversation between her grandson Jonathan and great grandson Freddie, in Toronto, Canada, so that they could wish the octogenarian a very happy birthday.

One of the highlights of the evening came when one of Janet’s grandchildren donned his Royal Navy ceremonial uniform and danced with her.

Mrs Flood said: “Janet said she is still on a high after her week of 80th celebrations and can't believe her family managed to keep it a secret from her and that so many of her friends and family joined her for her special birthday.

“Janet said with a wink she’s looking forward to what’s planned for her 90th.”

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Just call George Smith on 01305 830 817 or email george.smith@dorsetecho.co.uk.