A BASINGSTOKE resident has celebrated reaching a milestone birthday.

Ela Vicary turned 102 in style with family and staff at Heatherside Rest Home, in Scures Hill, Hook on Saturday 13 January.

Members of her family, including one of her three daughters, Vivienne Alexander, joined staff at the rest home in wishing Ela a happy birthday.

Vivienne said: “She loved every moment of the party, there were lots of presents and flowers for her and it was a lovely, lovely, party. She really enjoys life and likes to chat and with the music going, it was a really good time.

“We had a small family celebration, and a few members of staff joined in as we had the party.

She’s been living there for a year after living with me for four years.

“She has such a great capacity for enjoying life, keeping the staff on their toes, and is someone who really likes the company.”

Originally from Liverpool, Ela spent some of her youth being a telephone operator, before meeting her husband Peter and marrying at 22.

After that she travelled with Peter, who was a member of the RAF, and visited many different places around the globe, including Germany and Singapore, as well as being stationed up and down the UK.

The couple have three children, along with five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Longevity seems to run in the family, with Ela’s own mother living to 101-years-old.

At the party, there was a buffet, music, and a cake with candles in the shape of the number ‘102’.

The staff at the rest home were given special praise by the family.

Vivienne said: “The staff at the home are exceptional, and the party they helped to throw was lovely.

“They look after her 100 per cent and give a lot of attention to Ela. She really likes the company and they are great without exception.”