A PEMBROKE resident celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her family last week.

Mrs Josie Rippin, a resident of Hollyland Care Home in Pembroke, reached the magic figure on Wednesday, July 11.

Remarkably her mother was in her 103rd year when she died in 1979 and the family still have the telegram of congratulations sent by the Queen on that occasion.

A native of Nottingham, Mrs Rippin moved to Pentlepoir in Pembrokeshire with her husband Jim 28 years ago to be near their daughter, Elaine. Mr Rippin died in 1991.

Mrs Rippin trained as a hairdresser before devoting herself to raising a family.

She has five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nine step great-grandchildren and three step great-great-grandchildren.

Among the visitors on the day was her youngest descendant, her great-grandson Dylan who is just seven-weeks-old.

Mrs Rippin enjoyed a birthday cake baked by her granddaughter, Katrina and was presented with a bouquet of flowers when she was visited by the Vice Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor Dr Simon Hancock.