A WEYMOUTH resident who has always loved dancing has celebrated her 100th birthday - and plans to carry on dancing into the future.

Dorothy Margaret Upton was born in Cheshire and moved to Weymouth 40 years ago when she retired at the age of 60. On September 10, she achieved a major milestone in celebrating her 100th birthday.

Dorothy has loved to dance all her life, and even at the age of 100, she is still dancing. She stills manages to live independently.

On the special day itself, she was visited by her niece, a cousin and a close friend who came down to visit to celebrate. While they were out, she received her letter from the Queen.

She later hosted a party for her friends and neighbours at Hardy's Court (a Weymouth retirement development), where they enjoyed cake, a buffet and sherry.

Further celebrations took place later at the dance club.

Dorothy said that it felt "unbelievable" to have made it to 100 years old, and was delighted with her birthday card from the Queen.

She said: "I feel very honoured. I am very grateful for all the help that people give me."

She also added that she plans to keep on dancing. "I have always danced since I was a tiny tot."

Before her retirement, Dorothy did clerical work, and she had a senior role at BT in their planning and equipment office. After she retired, she met her late husband, Clarence at a Dance Club called Sequence & Modern, where Dorothy still dances at least twice a week. She does not have any children.

Jennifer Debenham, Development Manager at Hardy's Court, said: "Dorothy moved into her retirement apartment at Hardy’s Court in 2007 shortly after the development opened and enjoys an independent lifestyle, she is an absolute marvel. Her special day involved a leisurely lunch at Portland with her niece, cousin and close friend who travelled to Weymouth for the occasion. As luck would have it, the card from the Queen arrived shortly after she had gone out."