A 101-year-old Salisbury care home resident has revealed the secret to living a long and happy life.

Mary Flower, who lives at Care UK’s Salisbury Manor on Shapland Close, celebrated her 101st birthday on October 14 with her family, residents and staff.

Mary, who was born and raised in Stroud, left school at 14 to complete an apprenticeship in hairdressing.

When World War II broke out, she worked at Griffin Mill in Thrupp, Gloucestershire, where she helped build gliders before falling pregnant with her first child.

Mary met her husband, Lamorock Flower, at a dance in 1942. They married in 1943 at the Holy Trinity Church in Stroud and together had two children, Julia and Peter, who have since welcomed three grandchildren into the family.

Reflecting on her many happy years, Mary shared her secret to living a long life.

“Being spoilt!”, she said.

“I’ve been spoilt all my life, especially by my dad and husband.”

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The team at Salisbury Manor threw Mary a surprise party complete with balloons and a birthday cake specially made by the home’s head chef.

Mary said: “It was the most wonderful surprise.

“I said I didn’t want a party, but I’m so glad I got to celebrate with the ones I love, and the best part was sitting and chatting with my family about happy times we’ve shared.”

Skye Williams, general manager at Salisbury Manor, said: “We love to celebrate special milestones at Salisbury Manor – and Mary’s 101st birthday certainly called for a huge celebration!

“It was wonderful to see Mary surrounded by her loved ones to mark such an incredible milestone.

“The team worked hard to make sure her special day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to raise a glass to Mary!”

To find out more about Salisbury Manor, contact home admissions advisor Suzanne Hesk by emailing Suzanne.Hesk@careuk.com, or call 01722 567 862.