A WHITCHURCH woman who celebrated her 100th birthday this month, is one of the last people to have received a letter from the Queen.

Mollie Blake is a resident in the Greenfield Care Home in Liverpool Street and celebrated her birthday on Monday, September 12.

Mollie was born in Liverpool a century ago and home activity manager in Greenfield Care Home, Fiona Talbott said Molly was honoured to receive her card from the Queen.

Fiona added: "She said it feels absolutely wonderful to be 100 and an absolute honour to have received one of the last cards.

"She celebrated with the care staff, we decorated her bedroom and we had cake with her.

"We hung banners and posters and all sorts.

"And then she went out with her cousins for a meal at one of her cousins homes.

"Two friends from Malvern, where she used to live and where she retired, joined them.

"She had not seen them for a while, so that was really nice."

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Mollie has lived all over the UK, but Malvern was her favourite place.

Mollie picked up a passion for art later in life despite not having liked it in school.

Fiona said: "Mollie said she did not like art in school but her friend Margaret got her in to an art course after they retired.

"And it is really good, she has got some of her artwork hanging up in her room."

Fiona said Mollie was determined to reach 100 years of age.

She added: "Mollie set herself a goal to reach 100 and feels absolutely wonderful that she has achieved it.

"She has kept herself busy, surrounded herself with family and friends and with a bit of luck she said here I am."

Fiona spoke about the amazing atmosphere in the care home when residents reach 100.

She said; "It is such an amazing atmosphere, it is a little bit of a euphoria.

"Everyone is wanting to make it special for them.

"We plan ahead, obviously, for things like this and we are hoping to achieve a big celebration but because it is 100 you have got to work day by day.

"The atmosphere in the home when somebody reaches the grand old age of 100 is amazing.

"She has been very busy and has had a happy life."