Friends and family gathered to join a Dorchester woman in celebrating her 101st birthday.

Former tearoom owner and charity knitter Shelagh Aston celebrated the milestone birthday in style, with a slap-up lunch and a tea party with friends.

Sue Goodwin, activities organiser at Colten Care’s Castle View care home, where Shelagh now lives, said: “She had a lovely birthday lunch with her family and returned to us for a tea party, which was lots of fun.”

After her fun-packed birthday she enjoyed a well-deserved rest in her favourite spot at Castle View – the sun lounge.

When she’s not busy celebrating, Shelagh enjoys watching snooker on television and spending time in Castle View’s gardens.

Shelagh has been a resident at Castle View in Dorchester for the past four years and one thing is certain - she knows a thing or two about tea.

Born over a century ago in 1916, Shelagh owned her own tearoom in Sherborne, called the Spindleberry, during the 1950s – where she delighted the locals with her home cooking and wonderful cakes.

As a younger woman she also demonstrated cooking to the public on ‘newly popular’ electric ovens.

The mother of two, grandmother of five and great grandmother of 11 has been a prolific fundraiser and charity supporter throughout her life.

She was a member of Dorchester Inner Wheel Club for over 60 years, and president of the club an impressive three times.

Over the years, the club, whose motto is ‘Friendship and Service’, has enjoyed taking part in countless social and community activities and has raised thousands of pounds for local, national and international charities.

Along with other members of the Inner Wheel Club, Shelagh has knitted hundreds of garments for different charities all over the world.

Mrs Goodwin added: “Shelagh is a wonderful lady and a real ray of sunshine.”