THE balloons were out at a Trowbridge care home on Wednesday as a resident celebrated her 102nd birthday.

Gertie Seviour, a resident at Wingfield Lodge care home in Trowbridge, puts her longevity down to keeping fit by taking long walks with her pet dogs and always working hard.

Mrs Seviour was born in Southwick in 1906 and grew up with her brothers, Den and Harold and sister Edna. She was a skilled seamstress and worked in Westbury as a young woman, sewing silk underwear and gloves.

She married Frank and had one daughter, Pamela, both of whom she survives.

Mrs Seviour and her husband had a smallholding at their Frome Road home and she was a great animal lover.

For many years Mrs Seviour played in a skittles team in Southwick and she still enjoys watching sport on the television.

Mrs Seviour was honoured at the care home with a party thrown by staff.

She received presents from friends and family and a spread of party food was laid on for her and the guests.

The care home arranges a birthday celebration for her every year and has been doings so since 2006 when she turned 100 and received special congratulations from the Queen.