A Liskeard resident celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Ellen Brown – better known as Brownie to her friends – originally hails from near Rochester, Kent, but moved to Cornwall around seven years ago to be closer to her family.

As one of 11 siblings growing up in the 1920s, Ellen had a ‘happy childhood, probably living on a shoestring’ says her daughter Carol Hemmings.

During her working life she worked as a cleaner at a doctor’s surgery, and enjoyed travelling to places such as the USA, Germany and Austria.

At Abbeyfield House in Liskeard, Ellen’s family and friends were joined by no fewer than three mayors of the town as they celebrated the special birthday.

‘It was fantastic to have the mayor Christina Whitty, and former mayors Sandra Preston and Phil Seeva there,’ said Carol.

‘All the Abbeyfield committee came in and presented mum with a big bouquet. Everyone was lovely.’

Among Ellen’s many cards was a greeting from the Queen, one from Prince Charles and one from Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Damian Green