THE great-aunt of a television star has celebrated her 100th birthday in a west Dorset care home.

Fran Cassidy celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, January 28 at Bymead House in Charmouth.

Staff at the care home threw her a big party to mark the occasion with cakes and scones donated by West Bay Tea Rooms and Causley Cabs.

Amy Blacklock, manager at Bymead House, said: "It was such a lovely day and Fran really enjoyed herself.

"We put a post on Facebook telling everyone it was Fran's birthday and asking if anyone wanted to send her anything and she received about 150 cards in the post from people all over the country.

"She was even sent a bottle of Chanel perfume from someone she didn't know.

"It was a very special day."

The 30 residents that live at Bymead House all attended Fran's party alongside care home staff, all of whom have had their first coronavirus vaccine.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, Fran was unable to see any of her family on the big day, but she had a video call with her great-nephew James Jordan, a professional dancer who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 to 2013, and won the 2019 series of Dancing on Ice.

Amy said: "It was such a shame that Fran couldn't have any of her family there to celebrate such a milestone birthday but she was really happy to get to see James on the video call - she talks about him all the time."

In addition to the many cards Fran received, she was overjoyed to get a card from The Queen in the post.

Amy said: "At first, when she opened the card she thought it was a picture of herself because she has quite similar hair to The Queen.

"When she realised it was from The Queen she was thrilled and it made the day even more special."