CENTENARIAN Vera Reach tucked into two slices of birthday cake as she proudly read her cards of congratulations – among them one from the Queen.

The 100-year-old celebrated her milestone in Dartmouth on Sat­urday surrounded by family and friends.

Vera was born on February 29, 1915, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Since August 2009, when she moved from Holland-on-Sea, Essex, she has lived at Seamoor Residential Home in Church Street.

Vera lost her husband, Cyril, 10 years ago and has lived in Swansea, Cromer and Holland-on-Sea during her lifetime.

Cyril served as a captain in the army and this meant moving to postings in Wales and Suffolk. He also spent three years away from home during the 1950s, serving in Malaya and Singapore, with infrequent visits back home.

Vera had two children, Paul and Jennifer, who sadly died of an illness in 2009. She moved to Dart­mouth to be near Paul, who ran Dart Gallery in Lower Street until July 2014. The gallery is now run by Paul's son Edward and his partner Tom.

Vera received a card from the Queen and a letter of congratulations from Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

She was also presented with two birthday cakes, one from the staff at the home and one from her family.

After Vera enjoyed two slices of cake, the remainder was distributed among the other 30 residents of Seamoor House.