A PIANO and animal-loving centenarian from Poole was joined by her family and friends for her special birthday on Friday.

Lillian Ball, who lives at Elizabeth House on Dolbery Road, was treated to a piano-shaped cake, a card from the Queen and bouquets of flowers for her 100th birthday party.

The new Mayor of Poole, Cllr Peter Adams, also joined Mrs Ball for the celebrations as one of his first engagements during his mayoral year, as well as Simon Bird, property and business development director at Care South.

Lillian’s daughter, Heather Chaston, said: “She’s always been quite active and has walked a lot.

“She used to play the piano, hence the cake she got for her birthday, and she loves animals.

“It was a lovely day and I am very grateful to everyone who helped and came along, including the Mayor of Poole, and Mr Bird from Care South.”

Cllr Adams said: “I was delighted to have been asked to come along to the 100th birthday.

“To think that this person was born at the start of the First World War, which we are commemorating this year, is incredible.

“Last time I came to Elizabeth House was in 1988, and I can see from recent extensive modernisation coupled with the enhanced care, that this is an excellent place for the residents to live.”