Switching on her care home's Christmas lights was just part of the treat when Doris Griffiths celebrated her 101st birthday— she also got to cuddle a penguin.
Doris, a resident at The Spinney care home in Chingford for the past six years, took centre stage when she turn on the festive illuminations on December 3.
She wished everyone a "Merry Christmas" as threw the switch, and was joined by two Humboldt penguins, Pringle and Widget, from Heythrop Zoological Gardens in Oxfordshire.
"What an honour and a lovely way to mark my birthday," said Doris, wrapped in blankets against the evening chill.
Her 101st birthday became part of the home's festive celebrations, attended by residents, relatives, staff, and local community members.
The Spinney was decked out with Christmas trees and fairy lights. Activities co-ordinator Samantha Carey said: "Doris is quite the character.
"She loves playing bingo, going out for walks and visiting our beauty salon, and she’s forged a strong friendship group here at The Spinney.
"We loved that we could make her birthday extra special by inviting her to switch on the Christmas lights.
"It’s wonderful to offer her a new experience at such an age."
Home manager Lisa Wright added: "It was a wonderful afternoon filled with lots of festive cheer.
"Our home was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with snow and a visit from some feathered friends.
"The home was buzzing with excitement all afternoon. Many of the residents enjoyed spending time with the penguins, holding them on their knees or stroking them."
Revisiting past experiences with penguins prompted conversations among the residents, while the sight of the penguins and snow enthralled younger guests at the party.
Born in 1924, Doris has one daughter, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
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Singer Brandon also serenaded the partygoers with Christmas carols, including Griffiths’s favourite Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea.
The Spinney care home, which won a 2023 Great British Care Award for 'Dignity In Care' and is rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), is run by specialist care home provider Carebase.
It is a 43-bed care home, offering end-of-life care, a range of therapeutic activities, and a day trip programme.
