A PENSIONERS’ club marked a double celebration for the first time as one of its members celebrated her 100th birthday while a couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Swanmore Over 60s Club brought in a Scottish Reel Dance Club and afternoon tea for the festivities for Lucy Rust’s birthday and Eric and Frances Carpenter’s golden wedding anniversary.

Widowed when she was 40, Mrs Rust, who worked until she was 75 as a caterer for royalty, moved to Hampshire 25 years ago where she lives on her own in Bishop’s Waltham.

She celebrated her birthday with friends from the club and family including her two children, seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Her daughter, Jeanne Waller, said: “She is a lovely lady and has led an extremely colourful life. Her secret is you have got to go out and don’t sit still. She always keeps active and joins in all the clubs.

“We are all very proud of her.”

Mr and Mrs Carpenter, aged 76 and 70, met when they were guests at a friend’s wedding and say the key to a happy marriage is to give and take.

Mr Carpenter, who used to be a farm worker, said: “We try to work together. If any big decision needs to be made, it will be a joint one.” The couple, who enjoy walking and caravanning, will have further celebrations with their family including their two children and two grandchildren.

Secretary of Swanmore Over 60s Club Jo Welch said: “It is the first time we have ever had two major occasions on one day. It is very special and it seemed we really had to pull the stops out.”