A 99-year-old received a fitting birthday for her 99th birthday in the form of a 99 Flake ice cream cone from Fat Sam’s Ice Creams, who parked their van at Braemar Lodge for the occasion.

Stella Parsons turned 99 on Monday, May 29, and was first in the queue for her ice cream cone when the van visited the home.

Braemar Lodge customer support advisor Tanya Williams posted to Facebook on Tuesday, May 30: “The power of Facebook worked and the birthday wish of a 99 on a special lady’s 99th birthday was made possible by Fat Sam's Ice Creams who visited Braemar Lodge Care Home.

“Thank you so much, the smile says it all.”

99 Flakes have been around since at least 1930, becoming a mainstay at British ice cream stands. Its origins and etymology are obscure, with theories for its name ranging from an allusion to the Italian Royal Family and/or a reference to the address of the ice cream shop where it was created.

Stella said: “I can’t believe you managed to get an ice cream van here for me. I love an ice cream with a Flake in it.

“Just what I wanted. Perfect.”