ONE of Pembrokeshire’s oldest residents has celebrated her 103rd birthday in style.

Gwen Hood – who still insists on wearing high heels and loves outings to shops and coffee mornings – was the centre of attention on her special day as she enjoyed a get-together at her sheltered accommodation in Narberth.

Family, residents and friends gathered in the lounge of Williams Court last Tuesday for a birthday tea, complete with congratulatory cake and balloons.

Said Gwen’s daughter, Shirley Williams of Penffordd: “Mum’s health is excellent – it must run in the genes, as she has two sisters in their 90s, and one of her aunts lived until she was 100.

“She still goes down to the pensioners’ coffee morning at the Buffs Club in Narberth in her heels – she refuses to wear flat shoes.

“She has to have her daily paper to do all the puzzles and loves watching sport on the television – football, snooker, darts, you name it.

“We had a lovely birthday tea at Williams Court and I think Mum enjoyed being the centre of attention.”

Born in Whitland in 1916, Gwen was one of the four daughters of Edwin and Mary Johnson.

She attended the town’s primary and grammar schools before, at the age of 17, moving to Worthing in Sussex o work.

It was there she met her husband Lance, who was an engineer.

“They met at a dance and continued ballroom dancing for the next 50 years,” said Shirley.

The couple moved to Williams Court in 1988, but sadly, Lance died two years later.

Gwen has asked for donations to the Wales Air Ambulance instead of birthday presents, as it is a charity that she supports.

Said Shirley: “She says that the air ambulance is such a good idea for a rural area like ours.”