The 100th birthday of a resident at the White House care home in Falmouth saw celebrations tinged with a little sadness.

May Thomas was treated to balloons, cake and a singer to mark her centenary, but said she missed her twin brother, who died years ago.

May, originally from Aberaman in South Wales, moved to Falmouth with her mother and father in 1940, and cared for her mother after she became an invalid. She joined the congregation of Penwerris Church, becoming a Sunday school teacher, and is still a member.

She was in uniform during the war, with the ambulance service, and said: “Apart from the air raids, it wasn’t a bad life at all.”

May, who attributes her longevity to dog-walking and to her faith, said: “You have a lot of memories and a lot of experience when you reach 100.

“I still enjoy life. I’m still intelligent, enjoy reading, television and conversation. My carer can still take me and my friend out, although I have to go in a chair.”