Mrs Langley, a longstanding staff member at Llandough Primary School, turned 75 on Friday but due to the coronavirus pandemic, she was unable to celebrate as she normally would.

Her good friend Pauline Greenway knew that Eileen was struggling with lockdown, as she had been self-isolating due to her age.

She started contacting local families with children who attend the school and asked them to send in cards, videos and presents for a big birthday surprise.

Mrs Langley has been a supervisor in local schools for around 39 years and has watched many generations of children grow up around her.

She works as a dinner supervisor as well as helping out at the breakfast club and after school clubs.

Ms Greenway said: ''Eileen had to isolate straight away because of her age and she lives alone so its quite difficult. She's usually so busy coming back and forth to school.

''I went on the local Llandough news page and contacted a couple of mums that I know with children around their age and asked for cards and pictures. It started from there.

''I've been friends with Eileen for about 36 years or so now. I've been to loads of parties at hers and was sad she wasn't able to have one this year.

''Her favourite song is 'Come on Eileen' which she plays at every get together, so, I took my husband's Bluetooth box and played it outside her house on the day.''

''She was really surprised.''

Jo Byworth Morgan, a mutual friend of Pauline and Eileen, also got involved in the plans and contacted the Crepe Escape to get a cake sorted out for the day.

She said: ''They not only agreed to make it but also donated a very beautiful birthday cake for her.

''Mrs Langley had been missing the children all so very much, and as it was her birthday we thought they could make some birthday cards to surprise her.

''On her birthday morning, Pauline surprised Mrs Langley with music playing, a decorated front garden, the socially distanced delivery of loads of cards and pressies, and of course the fabulous cake.''

The school also made a YouTube video of the kids and staff saying happy birthday which you can view at the top of this piece.

Jo continued: ''It was just so lovely to see the whole community come together and let her know how much she is appreciated! Lockdown might be keeping us apart but it is bringing us together in some amazing ways too.''