A SPECIAL lady has celebrated her 100th birthday at a care home surrounded by friends and family.

Doris Croker enjoyed a momentous celebration at Lovat House Residential Home in Wokingham on November 29, before having a party two days later.

The centenarian has been a resident since September 2016 and has lived in Wokingham for 40 years.

She received a letter from The Queen and a telegram from, Amber Rudd, the British Conservative politician, who is currently serving as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

Her son David Bray said: “For years she has been talking about reaching 100 and she wasn’t sure if she would make it, but she did.

“Although receiving a letter from The Queen is a normal thing, she likes to think she was singled out.

“When she received her letter from The Queen she said, isn’t it lovely that The Queen remembered me.”

On Sunday, December 1, a party was held in the dining room of the Lovat House Residential Home, where Doris was joined by her family. She was particularly pleased to see her birthday cake, which was a vanilla sponge cake.

Alison Jell, Assistant Care Manager at Lovat House Residential Home, said: “She had a lovely day, but she has been so worn out since because she had so many visitors, flowers and cards.

“She is always happy and very thankful for everything we all do for her. She likes to get some of the staff to sing to her. She was even singing on her birthday.”

Doris is the third resident from the residential home to reach the milestone and another resident will be celebrating turning 100 later this month, on Saturday, December 22.

Mr Bray added: “It was just a wonderful occasion for all the family to see my mum, surrounded by friends and well-wishers. It was just an all-round wonderful occasion to see her reach that ripe old age.”

The home currently looks after 20 residents, ranging from their mid-70s all the way up to 103. By the end of 2018 they would have celebrated four 100th birthdays.