An Emmerdale star has been to Ramsbottom to celebrate a fan’s landmark birthday with a special surprise.

Actress Emma Atkins, who has played Charity Dingle in Emmerdale since 2000, visited Lavender Hills Care Home on Tuesday, July 4 to wish Dorothy Crawshaw, who lives at the home, a happy 100th birthday.

Bury Times: Dorothy's 100th Birthday surprise

As well making the trip in person, Emma also had a special video message put together from the soap's cast and crew, including Tony Audenshaw, aka Bob Hope, who said: “I’m a little bit conflicted between Wendy and Bernice.

“Should it not work out with them, I just wondered if you might be interested in becoming the eighth Mrs Hope…possibly the ninth I have lost count now.”

Bury Times: Stars wish a happy 100th to Dorothy

Ahead of Dorothy's birthday, staff at Lavender Hills wanted to find a great way of marking her centenary year.

Deputy manager Yvonne Taylor said: “She used to watch the show when she was younger so this was a great treat for her and her family.

“We’re blown away that Emma took time out to wish Dorothy a happy birthday.

Bury Times: Stars wish a happy 100th to Dorothy

“We’d like to say a massive thank you to her and the Emmerdale cast for their kind words on this special day.”

As well as the special birthday message and visit, Emma gifted Dorothy with flowers and a bottle of champagne.

She said: “Sending lots of love to Lavender Hills Care Home

Bury Times: Stars wish a happy 100th to Dorothy

“I was invited to a special day, Dorothy’s 100th birthday! I feel quite privileged that I was invited to these amazing grounds.

“Thank you for having me and Dorothy have a beautiful birthday!”

Other cast members who joined in the well wishes included:

Zoe Henry – Rhona Goskirk

Jeff Hordley -  Cain Dingle

Rachael Gill-Davis – Gail

Rosie Bentham - Gabrielle Bernice

Jack Downham - Noah Dingle

Charlotte Bellamy - Laurel Thomas

Elizabeth Estensen - Diane Sugden

Sam Hall - Samson Dingle

Chris Chittell - Eric Pollard

William Ash - Caleb Miligan

Mark Charnock - Marlon Dingle

Lesley Dunlop - Brenda Walker

Roxy Shahidi- Leyla Harding

Lisa Riley - Mandy Dingle

Dominic Brunt- Paddy Kirk

Katherine Dow Blyton - Harriet Finch

James Moore – Ryan Stocks