If you've ever struggled to remember a relative's birthday, spare a thought for 88-year-old Unice Blows.

Mrs Blows has three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and, since last week, one great, great grand-daughter.

Nine days ago, little Ellie Smith became the youngest member of the family, which now spans five generations.

Mrs Blows is the mother of Marion O'Reilly, 61, and gran of Diane Hyam, 42.

Mrs Hyam's daughter, Kayleigh, 21, gave birth to 7lbs 15oz Ellie on January 16 at Southend Hospital.

The whole family live in Rochford, except Mrs Blows, who lives in Southend.

Mrs Blows said she was smitten with the new addition to the family.

She said: "Ellie is absolutely lovely and she has been really quiet. I'm not sure whether she is going to stay that way.

"Everyone loves spending time with her and we all go and see her at the weekends.

"I've so many great grandchildren, and now a great, great grand-daughter. I've a job to remember all their birthdays.

"Christmas will certainly be busy, but it will be lovely."

Ellie's gran, Diane, said the family now had one of the youngest uncles around.

Mrs Hyam, of Lesney Gardens, Rochford, said: "My youngest son, Jayden, is now an uncle, which is quite exciting because he is only four years old.

"Everyone is so pleased and there are lots of the family who all just want to have a cuddle and look after her."

Ellie's mum, Kayleigh, said she was over the moon with her first child. She said: "Everyone has fallen in love with her already and keep offering to look after her.

"But I'm not quite ready to let them yet."