Sign here: Jean McDonald enjoyed her birthday, despite a broken arm and leg Picture: IAN JOLLY

CENTENARIAN Jean McDonald was literally ''plastered'' yesterday when she celebrated her 100th birthday in hospital with a broken arm and leg.

It is the first time in her life that Ms McDonald, from Rafford, near Forres, in Moray, has ever been in hospital.

Yesterday she was the centre of attention at Leanchoil Hospital, in Forres, as champagne corks popped and family, friends and fellow residents joined together for the big party. Ms McDonald, who lives with her daughter, Ms Margaret Maskery, at Burdshaugh, Forres, injured herself a few weeks ago after a fall.

Yesterday Ms Maskery, 58, a retired primary school teacher, said: ''It is such a shame, because she has never been in hospital before, and she is usually in such good health.

''But my mother is in great spirits, and is thoroughly enjoying everyone being around her. She received a telegram from the Queen, which was a bit unusual as it also included Christmas greetings, and my mother thinks that this is wonderful.''

Yesterday, Ms McDonald's two grandchildren and and two great-grandchildren joined Ms Margaret Maskery and her sister Mairi, 64, at the hospital celebrations, along with Ms McDonald's only surviving sister, Ms Nancy Campbell, 88.