RESIDENTS and staff at a Hamworthy care home have helped a resident celebrate her milestone 103rd birthday.

Dorothy Wakely marked her big day at Care South's Dorset House care home.

She was born in Poole on December 6, 1914, the only girl among three brothers.

Shortly after her birth World War One soldiers on the Western Front marked the Christmas Truce of 1914.

Dorothy lost her fiancé in World War Two and never went on to marry. Instead she remained living at home cooking, cleaning and caring for her parents.

Dorset House manager Paul Beasley said: "We were delighted to celebrate Dorothy Wakely's birthday with her, ensuring she truly had a day to remember.

"Dorothy is a much-loved resident at Dorset House, and there was a steady stream of visitors keen to pass on their best wishes."

During her birthday celebrations Dorothy was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the home's staff, as well as a birthday cake baked especially by the home's assistant chef, Patrick Garvey.

A care home spokesman said: "Dorothy was witnessed many changes in the world over the last 103 years, including the invention of the computer and the worldwide web, now such an intrinsic part of everyday lives, along with television.

"There have been 25 changes of Prime Minister and four monarchs, plus the first man on the moon.

"Asked her secret to long life, Dorothy says she enjoys a square of chocolate every day."