As she entered her local community centre with her bingo pens in her handbag, Doreen's numbers came up trumps. All 74 of them...

There were her eight daughters, her only son, and incredibly all 65 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Including the latest addition to the family, a little four-month-old boy.

Her numbers weren't all in the row, but in a great big happy group that added up to the most delightful surprise of Doreen's life at the heart of what could be a record-breaking family.

And of course, some of her best friends joined in to help the strains of "Happy birthday to you ..." rattle the rafters of the Christ the Carpenter church hall, in Chestnut Avenue, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, on Saturday night.

It was a fitting venue, because Dogsthorpe was where Doreen and her late husband Reg, who died three years ago, started their own Dogsthorpe dynasty in Western Avenue, where she has now lived 61 years.

The party was planned by two of Doreen's daughters, Debbie and Janet, and it was like putting together a strategic military operation that was carried out in secret, even arranging for part of the family to get there from Yorkshire.

The last time the family had all been together was for a sadder occasion when Reg died. This time it was to be a joyous get-together – but without the star guest suspecting.

However, there was almost an 11th hour disaster when Debbie (42) had to rush her mum to hospital after a fall at home in her bedroom on Friday, on the eve of the party.

Debbie said: "I had to take my mum to casualty, and I was telling everyone it was touch and go if the party could go ahead. Thankfully she was OK."

Today, Doreen, said the whole night was a complete surprise, and she was still feeling thrilled.

"It was lovely because everyone was there. I had no idea what was going on until the doors opened.

"I thought I was going to the bingo. I couldn't believe it when I found out they had organised a party. The music and food were both lovely."

Debbie said: "It was tricky to get everyone together, but we wanted to make mum's 80th a special occasion as she has done so much for us over the years.

"I don't know how she used to cope, and she is still there for all the grandchildren. She never forgets a birthday.

"Years ago people used to have big families, but it doesn't happen so often now. The brilliant thing is we all still talk to each other.

"It must be one of the biggest families, and the 65 grandkids are only blood relatives, there's more out there!"

All of Doreen's eight daughters, Yvonne, Shirley, Dorothy, June, Sue, Barbara and Janet went to the Dogsthorpe Junior and John Mansfield schools. Her only son, George, spent his teenage years at the Lincoln Road Boys School.

They all still live in and around Peterborough, except Shirley, who has settled in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Debbie said how she remembered how her parents used to grow all their own fruit and vegetables in the garden, saying "they loved gardening, and meals were always tasty and regular as clockwork".

Can you rival Doreen's large family – if so call The Evening Telegraph on 01733 588733, or e-mail mark.pearson@peterboroughtoday.co.uk.