FAMILY gathered to celebrate a very special occasion with Mary Welch – her 100th birthday.

A celebration was held at Hillcrest House in Looe, where Mary lives.

Mayor of Looe Armand Toms also paid a visit, armed with a bunch of flowers.

Mrs Welch was born in Kent, but met and married a Cornishman from Torpoint, the late Thomas Welch, who served in the Royal Navy and later became a teacher.

They have two sons, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

The couple retired to Mr Welch’s native South East Cornwall, and Mrs Welch became a familiar face at Liskeard Methodist Church, where she worked in the bookshop.