AN ISLAND resident celebrated her 100th birthday at Ryde Castle Hotel, surrounded by more than 50 friends and family.

Kathy Mallard, who lives in Sandown, was joined by her daughter, Carol, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Other family members from around the UK arrived to celebrate her centenary.

Carol, said: “Mum is a people person, she still enjoys meeting new people and has always been very popular. This was borne out by the fact that so many friends and family came along to share in the celebrations.

“She has always lived a healthy life, riding a tandem bike with my father and spending a lot of time outdoors, gardening and walking. She’s also been very happy and kind to people in her life, which could be the secret to her longevity.”

Mrs Mallard was born on the Island on January 29, 1920, and brought up in Clifford Street, Newport, along with three sisters and two brothers.

She married Gordon — who worked in the prisons — on July 11, 1940, with the couple settling in Newport.

Carol was born in 1942, and youngest child, Kay, in 1945.

Mrs Mallard worked as part of the Spitfire production team at East Cowes-based Saunders Roe from the beginning of the war until 1942.

Relocating to London in 1959, she worked at the Brixton Tax Office until 1965, before Mr Mallard retired in 1973 with Mrs Mallard working at the IW Tax Office until 1980, subsequently moving to Evesham to be closer to Kay.

Gordon died in 1999 at the age of 81, and when Kay also died in 2008, Mrs Mallard returned to her Island roots, joining Carol in Sandown.

She remained active during these years, continuing to enjoy cross-stitch, needlework and gardening, while her circle of friends expanded rapidly.

On reaching her landmark, Mrs Mallard said: “I had a lovely day, it’s wonderful to be 100 because everyone waits on you hand and foot!”

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