BEVERLEY Cross has 140 birthday cards from celebrities - because her husband wrote and asked for them.

Darren, of Summer Lane, Royston, contacted stars such as Jonathan Ross, Barbara Windsor, Dame Judi Dench and Jonny Wilkinson, and asked them to send wife Beverley birthday wishes for her 40th in August.

Darren, 39, said: "Beverley has had a tricky six years. She has been ill with diabetes and I just wanted to do something she wouldn't forget."

He sent off about 300 requests and other well-wishers included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Peter Kay and Rolf Harris.

Some stars, such as Gary Lineker, also included a letter.

Darren said he contacted the celebrities and included a self-addressed envelope for them to reply but had told Beverley he had been applying for jobs.

He had to come clean when up to ten replies a day landed through the letterbox.

"At that point she became suspicious and I had to tell her what I was doing. I think she was incredibly shocked that I had thought about it and then spent the time doing it but was overwhelmed by the response."

Darren is hoping more cards will turn up in the next few weeks.

Beverley said: "I was shocked but they are lovely and I'm delighted. Some people have gone to town and written a whole letter and have done that for someone they don't know."