A RESIDENT at Shandford Care Home in Budleigh Salterton celebrated her 103rd birthday with friends.

Gwen Aldhouse marked her special day last Sunday, February 27.

Tom Wright, the Mayor of Budleigh Salterton, also attended to raise a toast with Gwen, her friends and fellow residents.

With a great passion for animals, Gwen moved to Devon 40 years ago having been born in North London.

She moved to Surrey with her parents and brother when she was six-years-old where she remained for 25 years, working as personal assistant to the manager of the National Coal Board.

Gwen worked with horses all her life, helping disabled children to learn to ride and has always kept dogs.

She moved to Shandford in 2003 and keeps very well.