A WOMAN who took her driving test aged 98 has celebrated her 106th birthday at a Ferndown care home.

Residents and staff at Care South’s Fairlawn home helped Margaret Dowsing Hovell, better known as Peggy, mark her milestone birthday with family and friends.

She was delighted to receive a telegram from the Queen, as well as the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Gauke, MP.

Born in 1911 in Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire, Peggy was the second youngest of four siblings. At a young age she developed a talent and passion for playing the piano and performed in many recitals, one of the most memorable aspects of her childhood, along with the frequent camping holidays she enjoyed with her family.

She worked as a secretary before marrying John Herbert, a dental surgeon, in 1937. They shared a passion for travel, moving to India together, where John worked for the Raj.

Peggy learned to drive in 1925, ten years before compulsory driving tests were introduced. Incredibly, Peggy opted to take her driving test in 2009, aged 98.

When asked the secret to her long life, Peggy said it was important to live well and keep busy. She also praised the care she received at Fairlawn.

She was visited on her special day by the Mayor of Ferndown, Councillor Cathy Lugg, as well as Simon Bird, property director and deputy chief executive at Care South, who presented her with bouquets of flowers.

Peggy was also joined by her son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Gillian, who took her out for a celebratory lunch at Haskins.

Back at the home, staff and residents gathered to sing Happy Birthday and presented her with a cake baked by the home’s chef.

Peggy has been a resident at Fairlawn for four years, joining the home in 2013. She enjoys reciting her favourite poetry to staff and fellow residents, as well as taking part in the Oomph! exercise sessions that are run at the home.

Karen Curtis, home manager, said: “Peggy is a very special lady who loves dancing, recently stealing the limelight at a tea dance some of our residents attended. We were delighted to help her celebrate her big day.”