Southborne centenarian marks milestone surrounded by her nearest and dearest

Marjorie Wing marked 100 years with a birthday celebration for more than 40 guests at Highcliffe Castle yesterday - including family from as far afield as Seattle in the US and Canada.

Pretty in pink, she was the guest of honour at an elegant reception and afternoon tea in the stately surroundings, complete with a cake decorated by her great-grandchildren, who had also created a giant 100-year-time line detailing events from her life and further afield to decorate the room.

Born and brought up in Southbourne, Marjorie worked in the Tuck Shop, a sweet shop on Southbourne's high street - where she founded her life long love of sweeties.

It was there her first husband Leonard Wise met and courted her. The pair were married in 1938 and on their wedding day moved into their bungalow in Fairmile, Christchurch - which was to be Marjorie's home for the next 75 years.

The couple had two children, Jan, now 71, and Tony, 75. After Leonard died in 1957 Marjorie remarried Frederick Wing and the couple remained happily married until his death in 1989.

Described by her daughter Jan Cross as 'fiercely independent', Marjorie remained in her own home until the age of 98 and for the past two years has lived at St Anne's Nursing Home in Southbourne.

Jan added: "She loves gardening - she was still laying paving stones until she was in her 90s. She was a dab hand with some Polyfilla and paint as well. And until she was in her 90s she travelled about with us visiting family. We're a close family and she is dearly loved by all of us.

"She is from a remarkable generation. She has lived through two World Wars - one with her father, the other with her first husband. She's had two wonderful husbands and a lovely family."

Grandmother of four and great-grandmother of five Marjorie told the Echo: "I am very well indeed. I have lots of visitors. I've got a lovely family and I'm very very happy."