MUSIC, wine, and cakes helped make a 103rd birthday extra special for one care home resident.

Doris Sutton was joined by friends and other residents at Albion Park House, in Albion Road, Loughton, for her celebratory party.

Care home manager Elizabeth London said: “She had a wonderful time. Her solicitor advocate came down and brought some chocolates and wine. Her friend came down and the other residents joined in.

“Doris reads a lot. She's partially deaf, but she's no problem, she knows what she wants. She used to be a dressmaker and she's always immaculate and very smart.”

Doris has been a Loughton resident since the 1960s when she lived with her husband Herbert, in Spring Grove, until his death.

During the war she worked in a munitions factory, while her husband was an employee of British Rail.

She has no children or close family and her affairs are now looked after by her solicitor Simon Huggins.

He said: “She comes across as being very friendly, bubbly, and caring. She enjoys a tipple but as far as I know she's never smoked. She's remarkable in terms of health.”