A resident of a Reydon care home celebrated her landmark 100th birthday surrounded by residents and family.

Eastern Daily Press: Jackie with family members Graham and Veronica Clarke. PHOTO: Nick ButcherJackie with family members Graham and Veronica Clarke. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Born in Birmingham during the First World War, Ethel Horrocks - better known as Jackie to friends - still has a sharp wit which entertains residents and carers alike at Oaklands House residential care home.

'Jackie is very witty and likes making rhymes and songs out of people's names. She loves listening to me read Pam Ayres' poems to her, as well as having her hands manicured, massaged and pampered,' said Rachelle Hodson, 37, activities co-ordinator at Oaklands House.

The centenarian, who has no children, turned 100 on April 12.

She celebrated with her nephew Graham Clarke, 73, and his wife Von, 72, who travelled from their Midlands home.

They celebrated by enjoying afternoon tea and cake surrounded by flowers and cards from well wishers including a birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen.

On reaching her landmark birthday Mrs Horrocks quipped: 'Turning 100 it just feels normal to me. I enjoy living here and I really enjoy my favourite tipple a glass of sherry.'

During her life, Mrs Horrocks worked in many fields - driving ambulances in the Second World War, owning a laundrette in Christchurch, Dorset and managing a hotel in Bournemouth for many years before moving to Cape Town, South Africa with her husband, Henry Horrocks.

After the passing of her third husband, Henry Horrocks, Jackie moved back to England, residing at Oaklands House, Reydon, where she has lived for the past 10 years.

Her nephew Mr Clarke added: 'She loves talking about her life, particularly events which happened 40 or 50 years ago as she does struggle nowadays to remember recent things; she has lived a varied life.'

He explained that Mrs Horrocks has no secret to long life but good genes runs in their family.

'My mother, Hilda Clarke, Jackie's sister lived until she was 92 and my grandmother Ada Gardner passed away aged 94,' explained Mr Clarke.

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