A surprise family party was the icing on the cake when Gladys Jones marked her 100th birthday.

A surprise family party was the icing on the cake when Gladys Jones marked her 100th birthday.

Gladys, who has lived at Fred Millward Court in Cuttys Lane, Stevenage, for 25 years enjoyed tea and cakes in the common room of the housing complex, where she is the oldest resident, on the morning of her birthday and also lunched at the Waggon and Horses in Graveley.

But she had already celebrated three days earlier at the same venue, with a surprise family gathering organised by daughter Carol Cairns.

Carol said: “It was wonderful for so many of the family to come and join us to celebrate the great occasion.

“It was a lovely day. She was very pleased to receive her letter from the Queen. She had no idea about her surprise party! The whole day went like a dream.”

Gladys has lived in Stevenage all her life, and over the years worked as a housekeeper, helped her aunt out at the Red Lion pub in the Old Town, and wheeled the tea trolley for English Electric.

Carol said: “My mum has worked hard all her life. She has always been willing to help anyone and she loves people. She has always helped all the family throughout her life.”