A care home has been in a celebratory mood after recently marking the 100th birthday of one of its residents.

Iris Telling, who lives at Friars Mead in Kings Langley, was treated to a socially distanced garden party - and her two sons and brothers were able to meet for the first time in over a year.

The three-layered cake was provided by Waitrose, who also sent Iris a card, and fellow residents watched on from the comfort of their lounge and ‘delivered’ their own cards and good wishes.

Iris also received many bunches of flowers, which were spread around the home at her request so that everyone could enjoy them.

Friars Mead staff also went to the effort of ensuring Iris could see as many family members as possible, accommodating them in visitor pods both on her birthday and earlier in the week.

With seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, she had a lot of catching up to do.

Fellow resident Elsie Thomas, who also turned 100 in January, greeted Iris with the words "welcome to my club", with staff joking that both of them together exhibited "200 years of experience, love and adventure".

Iris, who volunteered at a Sue Ryder shop in her hometown of Berkhamsted for 16 years, also treated everyone to the secret of her long life, with staying occupied – which has been particularly challenging during the pandemic – the key element. She credited her longevity to "good genes, a loving family, and keeping my brain active with puzzles and reading".

Debbie Carrington, who works at the care home managed by the Abbeyfield Hertfordshire Residential Care Society, said: "I can never quite believe that Iris is 100 as her independence and ability always amazes me. She can still complete thousand-piece jigsaw puzzles and is a pleasure to have around."