The people of Sussex turned out in force to celebrate the birthday of Britain's best-loved member of the Royal Family.

The Queen Mother's 100th birthday was honoured across the county.

As crowds gathered in London to pay tribute to the Queen Mother, 14 women of the similar age celebrated by having tea with the mayor at the Grand Hotel in Brighton.

He also sent an official letter on behalf of Brighton and Hove to the Queen Mother, wishing her a happy birthday.

Sarah Fowler, from Picton Street in Brighton and who is a month younger than the Queen Mother, said: "I think the Queen Mother is a wonderful lady. She's so kind to everybody."

Lily Wickens, 104, of Carden Avenue, said: "It's lovely being here at the Grand, I didn't expect it, it came as a real surprise and I don't deserve it really."

One of the many street parties and private parties held in Brighton and Hove was at the Early Years Nursery in Dyke Road Avenue. Some 70 children and staff dressed up as kings and queens.

At the Carden Hill street party children wore crowns and painted faces and there was a Queen Mum lookalike.

The chair of Lewes District Council, Maureen Messer entertained more than 200 people aged over 60 from the district at a tea party in the grounds of Lewes House.

In Crowborough, Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, opened a commemorative garden in honour of the Queen Mother given by Crowborough Town Council. The event was honoured by a flypast of the Battle of Britain memorial flight.

At Peacehaven the Millennium Beacon was lit for 100 minutes. In Rottingdean the Royal British Legion displayed banners and balloons at the village crossroads.

Flags were flying at Forge House and at Beacon Hill where fireworks were let off at 9.30pm. The Mayor of Worthing, Coun Ann Lynn lit the town's seafront millennium beacon.

Michael Foster MP and Mayor Jackie Dowling opened the celebrations for Hastings at the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre. Mrs Dowling then went on to a street party in Boyne Road.

Flower seller Doreen Simson of Time For Flowers at Three Bridges station gave flowers to everyone who shared their birthday with the Queen Mother.

Celebrations at Glorious Goodwood saw the National Anthem being sung. Eastbourne mayor Michael Tunwell opened a floral display in honour of the Queen Mother at Carpet Gardens on the seafront, with the Eastbourne Silver Band providing an accompaniment.

East Sussex Youth Orchestra flew the flag for the Queen Mother abroad when they performed the National Anthem in Italy. Eastbourne WRVS held its own tribute to her at its centre in Hyde Road.

Budgens in Heathfield made sure residents of Upper Meadcar Home in Fabians Way had a day to remember when they gave them a hamper of food.

The Poplar Close Tenants Association is holding a party at the Hangleton Youth Centre from 3pm today.