BIRTHDAY girl Beryl Birks celebrated reaching 100 this week with socially-distanced visits from her family.

Mrs Birks, a resident of Shire House care home in Lyme Regis, marked the big day on Sunday, December 27.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions there was no party – but some family members were able to visit throughout the day under the guidelines of the care home. The team at Shire House organised a small celebration, complete with a cake made by a member of the team.

Mrs Birks also received a birthday card signed by the Queen, which has taken pride of place amongst many other birthday wishes from family and friends.

Originally from London, Mrs Birks moved to the area in 1990 with her husband Arthur. She previously worked as a hospital records administrator and has two children, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren, all of whom are now living in the south west.

Sadly Mr Birks died in early November, just three months short of reaching the milestone himself. Thee couple were together for 80 years, having been married for 78 of them.

Mrs Birks' son, Mick, said: "It was great occasion but obviously everyone had to be very careful. She was on such good form. She’s been a wonderful Mum.

"She called that evening to tell me 'she'd had a lovely day and enjoyed seeing all the family', although she did say she was 'very sad Arthur wasn't there to help her celebrate'."

He added: "She told me she was 'very grateful for all the arrangements that the staff of Shire House had made for her big day, given the difficulties with the Covid situation' and that 'she was just looking forward to be able to hug everyone again'."