CIRENCESTER resident Dorothy Godleman celebrated her 100th birthday on September 10 surrounded by friends, family and cake.

Dorothy lives at Elm Grove Bupa Nursing home in Cirencester, the town where she was born, having lived most of her life in Norfolk.

In her younger years she enjoyed acting and playing the piano and still sings along to her favourite songs today.

Dorothy received a huge pile of birthday cards, including one from the Queen, and a stack of presents from her guests.

A total of 25 people came to celebrate, enjoying a selection of party food topped off with a glass of champagne from Bupa.

Dorothy’s family added that there would have been more guests had Dorothy’s contacts book not been lost in her move to the care home, and apologised to anyone who may have missed out.

Dorothy said: “I didn’t think that I’d be able to have so many people come to see me this particular day. It’s miraculous.”

“This is a lovely day for me and everyone is enjoying themselves.”

Dorothy was an office clerk for most of her career and married her husband, George, aged 38.

She said: “I had quite a busy time during the war. I wasn’t called up but I did go about helping any way I could. I had a good husband who was wounded in the war, but managed to make it through.”

What does Dorothy say is the secret to her long life?

“Very plain living really. Just getting up and going to work. Just a really good family life.”

Despite Dorothy’s humble account of her life her family and friends lined up to explain the amazing amount of time she has dedicated to volunteering.

Among her many efforts she helped teach children to read at Powell's School, volunteered at Newholme Day Centre in Victoria Road and baked more cakes than could be counted for all sorts of good causes.