A JOYFUL woman has celebrated her 100th birthday in a residential home with family and a visit from the Yateley Town Mayor.

Vera Nicholson enjoyed spectacular celebrations at Anchor’s Willow Garden Residential Home on Tuesday, January 15.

The centenarian, who has been residing at the home since 2017, spent nearly eight years living in Crowthorne.

Her son, Mike Nicholson, said: “She has been waiting 100 years for this day and it’s a very proud moment for me and the family.

“This morning we have been on Facetime to family who live in Australia, which she really enjoyed.

"It’s so lovely to see everyone here and there has been lots of cards, presents and celebrations”

As well as receiving a letter from The Queen, the Yateley Town Mayor joined residents in making the day special.

Mayor Tony Spencer said: “It’s a real pleasure to come along and celebrate Vera’s 100th birthday.

“What we have here today is a reunion of everyone coming together in the residential home to celebrate.”

Vera is the first resident in the home to reach the milestone age and is well-loved and respected by everyone.

Suzanne Steed, customer relations manager at Anchor’s Willow Garden Residential Home, said: “She is a really happy lady and she always has a beautiful smile across her face.”

“She is always up for anything and loves to sing along to music. She is also an avid lover of Strictly Come Dancing, which she watches every week here in the home.”

Vera was joined by the rest of the residents in the dinning room and later enjoyed a meal with her family, including grandchildren.

Mr Nicholson added: “Receiving her letter from The Queen was the special occasion of the day and she had a great big smile on her face when she received it.

“Her grandchildren have received special permission from their headmaster to leave school early to come and celebrate. They will really love grandma for getting them out of school early today.”

Vera is a retired dancer from London and owned a dance company teaching children and adults ballroom and Latin American dancing.

Angela McCormack, home manager, said: “She is a little ray of sunshine and she even goes to exercise classes twice a week, which we hold here.

“Any activities we arrange she will always want to come along and join in. She is just very popular in the home and has many friends.”

The residential home currently cares for 33 elderly people and will celebrate its third birthday in March.