Marking her 100th birthday with some cake and champagne

Eva Copeland, known as Mary, celebrated the milestone with cake and champagne at her nursing home in Norfolk.

She moved to Walcott Hall from Luton three years ago to be closer to her family.

Mary was married to William Copeland who was Mayor of Luton in 1978 and 1979. They met when she joined the services.

Her niece Margaret Hilditch was at the nursing home with her on Sunday. She said: “My aunt enjoyed her afternoon and got lots of cards and flowers.

“The staff of the nursing home came in and sang Happy Birthday to her, and attached a Hundred Today banner in her room.

“We all had a little bit of champagne, opened for her by the matron, and some rich chocolate cake.

“I think she is glad we did make an effort to do something for her, it was lovely that the nurses at the home decorated her room and sang to her.

“She had phone calls from family members from across the world and lots of cards from her Luton friends and a card from the Queen.

“She was delighted with the bouquets she received and the cards, the card from the Queen was a source of pleasure, she has always been a firm traditionalist and a supporter of the royal family.

“Equally, she was pleased with the special arrangements made by the staff for her, with the cake, champagne and them singing to her.