FRIENDS and family gathered at a nursing home in Shenley on Saturday to celebrate the 100th birthday of resident Nellie Thrower.

Banners, balloons and bubbly were used to honour the mother-of-three who has lived in the village for more than 70 years.

Mrs Thrower, who was born in London, moved to Shenley with her husband Len as a young married couple.

Looking back on her early years in the village, she remembers meeting King George V and Queen Mary when they opened the former Shenley Hospital in 1934.

She claims the Queen even complemented her on her pretty dress, which Mrs Thrower had made especially for the occasion.

Mr and Mrs Thrower moved in their later years to the Wilton House Residential Care and Nursing Home, in London Road, in 2008.

Sadly Mr Thrower passed away two years ago, but staff said Mrs Thrower remains in good spirit – helped by regular visits from her friends in Shenley and her family.