FAMILY and friends went above and beyond to ensure a great-grandma enjoyed her 90th birthday, despite being in hospital.

Almost 30 guests, some from as far as Sydney, Australia, arrived at Basildon Hospital to help Rose Brown celebrate the landmark birthday.

The family, which spans five generations, even arranged a special ‘oyez’ announcement by town crier Jim Shrubb, who was taking part in the hospital’s open day on Saturday.

The party of 29 gathered in the restaurant with Mrs Brown, who turned 90 on Monday.

Mrs Brown, from Brentwood, has two daughters, five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great- great-grandchild.

She worked as a home help but also devoted all her spare time to caring for family, friends and neighbours, say her daughters Evelyn and Margaret.