IT WAS like scoring 180 for 103-year-old Elsie Beere after her favourite darts player got in touch to wish her happy birthday.

Elsie, of Brightlingsea, was stunned when Dutch darts ace Michael van Gerwen sent her a video message after hearing she is his oldest fan.

The Regent Road resident has also been offered a belated birthday present in the form of two tickets to a darts match of her choice this year.

Elsie, who was born on February 29 and has only celebrated her birthday on the actual day 25 times, said: “It’s fantastic. I can’t believe it – it’s so exciting.”

Michael is Elsie’s favourite player because of the way he plays – fast and exciting.

He got in touch after seeing the Gazette’s report onElsie’s 103rd birthday last month and decided to make his own birthday video wish to her.

In it, he holds a cake and blows out the candles, saying: “Hi Elsie, I know we don’t have 103 candles, but I wanted to wish you happy birthday.

“I would like to give you some tickets to come and watch me play.”

Despite being a keen darts player, Elsie has never been to a live match. She prefers to watch it at home on TV along with her other favourite sport – snooker.

Cash Converters, one of van Gerwen’s sponsors, is also sending Elsie £103 to spend online as a gift.