A WHITCHURCH woman was "overwhelmed" after friends and family turned out to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Joan Heath turned 100 on Tuesday, May 9 and her family organised a get-together at Whitchurch Cricket Club on Sunday, May 14 to celebrate the milestone.

Around 50 guests turned up to the birthday celebrations and it was an emotional day as many family and friends attended, including Joan's brother, Tom, who travelled up from Cardiff.

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Tracey Heath, whose husband Tim is Joan's grandson said: "The party went really well. She was overwhelmed by it all.

"Lots of people who she hadn't seen for years turned up. Joan's brother turned up from Cardiff and he is 93 today.

"He came with his son and that was a big surprise for her. He had said he wouldn't be coming because it was too much of a journey, but I think that was the highlight of the day for her. She hasn't seen him for 10 years."

Whitchurch Herald: Joan Heath was congratulated on turning 100 by King Charles.Joan Heath was congratulated on turning 100 by King Charles. (Image: Amanda Higginson)

Tracy thanked the people who came to the party and the staff at the cricket club for the catering.

She said: "We would like to thank everyone who came and for all the cards and gifts.

"We'd also like to give a big shout-out to Louise Welsh for the catering. The food was absolutely amazing and everyone commented on how beautiful it was."

Tracy also spoke about Joan's reaction when she turned 100 on May 9.

She said: "It is just another day. We went out for lunch on May 9. We went to the Old Jack Inn in Calverhall."

Joan is originally from the West Country and she served in the Women's Land Army during the Second World War where she met her husband who was based there with the British Army.

Tracey had spoken to the Whitchurch Herald ahead of Joan's milestone birthday, revealing how she was originally from Yeovil in Somerset.

She added: "She was in the Land Army and she met her husband, Les, who was a Whixall man. Her husband was serving in Somerset with the British Army, I think he was a driver.

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"She met him while he was there. They set up home in Whixall."

She added: "She was a housewife who went on to bring up three sons, Chris, Phil and Martyn."

"They were married for over 60 years."