A CENTENARY was celebrated in style at a Dursley care home.

Emily Butler, who was born in Sharpness and has lived in the area all her life, enjoyed an afternoon of celebrations with family and friends on Wednesday, June 25, in her current home at Henlow Court, in Dursley.

The centenarian, who could not believe the turnout for the party at her home said: “It’s all been a bit of a shock. I only thought half a dozen people would pop in to say 'hi'. I didn’t expect this.”

Defying Emily’s expectations dozens of family and friends turned up to wish Emily well on the big day, with Emily even having receiving 56 cards by breakfast.

Staff at the care home, where Mrs Butler lives, described Emily as a brilliant, chatty and lovely person, who was incredibly overwhelmed by the celebrations that included over 50 guests.

They added that Emily had a wonderful day and really enjoyed the afternoon of celebrations.

As well as those received by family and friends, Emily was also given a very special card from the Queen on the morning of her birthday.

Emily, who had lived in the same family home all her life, until she moved to Dursley three years ago, was overwhelmed to have received the card, calling it “ a big honour”.

The card featuring the congratulatory message from the Queen was proudly displayed on the table during the celebrations, with guests being able to catch a glimpse of the exclusive achievement.

Emily, who has two children, Clive Butler, 77, and Valerie Organ, 73, with her late husband Alexander Butler, said: “When you’re young, the thought of getting old goes over your head, you just don’t think about getting old.”

Discussing the feeling of hitting triple figures, Emily said: “Well I can’t do anything about it.”

Emily's main place of employment during her life was for a generating board in Berkeley.