A care home resident celebrated her 101st birthday with more than 300 cards from family, friends, and the community.

Joan Margaret Grose, who lives at Care UK's Mountfitchet House in Stansted, marked her birthday on September 17 with family, residents, and staff.

Born in Waltham Abbey, Mrs Grose grew up in Sawbridgeworth and worked at the Colonial and Foreign Branch of Lloyds Bank.

During World War II, she was assigned to the War Office after passing the ATS medical exam.

After the war, she travelled across the country interviewing and testing men starting their National Service, before leaving to marry and start a family.

To make her 101st birthday extra special, the Mountfitchet House team called on the community to send in birthday cards, aiming for 101 cards.

She received 317 cards in total.

Mrs Grose said: "I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has sent a card for me.

READ MORE

"I'll never be able to walk down the streets again without everyone knowing me - I’m the most famous lady in the village."

The home also held an afternoon tea party to celebrate, with a Rod Stewart singalong and a cake made by the home's kitchen.

Maureen Okeke, deputy home manager, said: "It was wonderful to see Joan’s face light up as she opened her cards, and it was amazing to mark the incredible milestone in such a special way."