A popular residential home resident has celebrated her 100th birthday in style with family.

Staff at Fairways home, in Workington, decorated the day room and filled it with balloons to celebrate Grace Davies' special day.

Family joined Mrs Davies and showered her with birthday gifts.

Mrs Davies was delighted to receive a telegram from the Queen.

She showed the telegram to the Mayor of Allerdale, John Crouch, when he dropped in to wish her a happy birthday and present her with a bouquet of flowers.

A further celebration for friends and family was due to take place at the weekend at Fairways, with music from Just Paul.

Staff at the home describe Mrs Davies as a lovely bubbly and active woman. Jackie McKenna, manager, said: “We’re honoured and delighted to share such a special day with such a very special lady, her family and friends.”

Originally from Church Lane, Whitehaven, Mrs Davies lived independently until 12 months ago when she moved into the home.

She used to work as a machinist at Smith’s paper mill in Whitehaven, and also received two medals for her work as a land girl during the Second World War. Grace married Gordon Davies in 1943, and has two children, Jacqueline, 74 and Steven, 62, four grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gordon worked as a GPO engineer for 44 years, until his death in 2011.

Mrs Davies puts the secret of her longevity down to helping others, something that she still enjoys doing. She likes living at Fairways and has made plenty of new friends.

Daughter Jacqueline, who now lives in Tyneside, said: “Staff tell us some tales, she is much livelier than we thought she was.”

Daughter-in-law Sally Davies added: “We’ve found out she is quite a character and enjoys a good dance”.

Mrs Davies was joined on her birthday by her children, grandson Glynn Davies, great granddaughter Sienna Davies, aged two, Glynn’s partner Laura Helliwell, daughter-in-law Sally Davies and son-in-law Jeff Devine.