A SPECIAL centenarian from Charminster was joined by her friends and family for a tea party on Saturday, August 16.

Dorothy Knight, who lives at Richmondwood Residential Care Home in Richmond Park Avenue, enjoyed food, a birthday card from The Queen, balloons and even a video call to some younger relations in Spain.

Her great niece, Marilyn O’Neill, said that one of Dorothy’s greatest pleasures is enjoying her favourite drink and a snack, as she has done every day for the past two years.

Marilyn said: “She has always liked a tipple and her favourite time of day is in the evening, when she has a sherry and a packet of crisps, which is definitely not doing her any harm.

Marilyn said that Dorothy grew up in Ealing in London, as the youngest of three daughters, where she later worked as a clerk in Selfridge’s, before meeting her husband, William, known to his loved ones as Paddy.

Dorothy moved to Bournemouth in July 2012 and loves to receive visits from her friend, Gwen Buck. Dorothy has two nieces, two nephews, five great nieces, 13 great, great nieces, nine great, great nephews, three great, great, great nieces and four great, great, great nephews.

“Aunty Dorothy has a wicked sense of humour and is very partial to partaking in a bit of banter, particularly with men. We are so proud of her for reaching this milestone as she is the first to do so within our family.”