THE first resident of a Christchurch care home celebrated her 101st birthday with a special cake and champagne.

Great grandmother Audrey Dormon was the toast of the Mudeford care home when she celebrated her special day at Colten Care's Avon Reach site.

She was its very first resident when it opened 20 years ago.

Born in North London, Audrey was the youngest of five children and was seen as ‘the sporty one’.

She excelled at several different sports, including tennis, golf and skiing.

It was through sport that she met her future husband, Graham, at the age of 14.

The couple, who married in 1937, were together for 49 years until Graham passed away in 1986.

An accomplished seamstress and cook, Audrey also taught dancing at a school in London.

After the Second World War, Audrey travelled extensively in Africa due to her husband’s work as an engineer with Kenya Railways.

The couple lived in eight homes in 16 years in Africa, eventually retiring in 1962 when they returned to England and set up home in Highcliffe.

Apart from daughter Ann, Audrey has two grandchildren – Tony and Jackie, and three great grandchildren – Henry, Sophie and Lucy.

Staff at Avon Reach marked Audrey’s birthday by presenting her with a specially baked cake in the shape of ‘101’.

Ruth Wildman, who is the home’s manager, said: “Audrey is an very popular resident and thoroughly enjoyed her birthday celebrations.”