A HAMPSHIRE woman was surrounded by five generations of family for her 100th birthday party.

Mollie Piper celebrated with about 20 members of her family at her home in Brackenlea Care Home in Shawford, near Winchester.

She was born in London and grew up in Canada but has lived in the area for more than 50 years.

Along with husband Richard, who died in 1999, she lived in Broughton, Stockbridge, Kings Worthy and Badger Farm, while working for the county council before staying at home to look after their four children.

Mollie, who has lived at Brackenlea since 2005, said: “I have loved living in Winchester and been very happy here.

I’ve also very much enjoyed my time at Brackenlea because it is nice and small so it’s not too busy.”

Her eldest son, Richard, 76, a retired heavy goods vehicle driver, said it was rare the whole family meets up en masse despite all living locally. He added: “We only tend to meet up for weddings and things these days but it means this makes today much more special.”

Along with Richard, Mollie had two other sons, John, 75, and Robin, 73, and a daughter Ann, 70. She has nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and greatgreat grandchildren.