An Isle of Wight woman is celebrating her 100th birthday today (Thursday, December 21), enjoying her special day with her family.

Born in Newport on December 21, 1923, Vera Lilly Kate Lovejoy is the eldest of five children of Mr and Mrs James Cooke.

Vera married Lloyd Lovejoy in the early forties and had two children, Pamela and Susan, unfortunately, Susan is no longer with us to celebrate the day.

Throughout her life, Vera has enjoyed various employment, including in restaurant and hotel management with her husband in Sandown and later in Colwyn Bay, North Wales.

Vera still does her weekly shop at Morrisons in Newport, using her walker, stick or trolley, and enjoys reading using her magnifying glass and watching her favourite soaps on television.

She maintains that the secret to a long life and reaching 100 years of age is hard work and ‘eating your greens’.

Vera is much loved by all her family, including her daughter, son-in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

They live as far apart as Australia, North Wales, Cheltenham, Portsmouth and the Island, and all send their love and best wishes.

Vera has received her 100th birthday card from King Charles III and will celebrate her day at her daughter and son-in-law’s home and later at The Stag Inn near Newport.