A Christchurch care home resident was one of the last people in the UK to receive a 100^th birthday card from the Queen.

Mercia Crighton celebrated her landmark birthday at Fairmile Grange, based on the aptly-named Royal Close, on Sunday, September 11.

She was thrilled to open her card from the Queen, which had been delivered to the care home just days before the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8.

To her delight, Mercia was treated like Fairmile Grange’s own queen for the day, complete with a tiara, and was joined by a host of special guests for her 100^th birthday party.

The guest list included her son, Neil, and his wife, Julia, pictured, who had travelled from Sweden to be there and took Mercia out for a special lunch before they returned for more celebrations.

Two Dorset Police officers fulfilled Mercia’s birthday wish by presenting her with the Queen’s card, in honour of her late husband, who was a police officer.

The centenarian enjoyed a party, along with her family and her fellow friends at Fairmile Grange, complete with balloons, flowers, cards, presents, banners, bubbly, and birthday cake.

Music and dancing was provided by Paul Walker.

Kim Butters, Wellbeing Manager at Fairmile Grange, said: “It was certainly a day to remember as we came together to celebrate Mercia’s special 100^th birthday.

“It’s incredibly sad to think that Mercia is one of the last people to receive a card from the Queen before her death, which a lot of our residents are upset about, but it is a very special keepsake for Mercia to treasure forever.

“We are so pleased that we could spoil Mercia on her birthday and ensure that she could celebrate with her loved ones, as it’s not every day that one of our residents turns 100.”

Fairmile Grange is one of four Encore Care Homes.

Others include Great Oaks in Bournemouth and Oakdale in Poole.

• All pictures by Paul Collins/Encore Care Homes.