FRIENDS and family flocked to help a chocolatier celebrate her 105th birthday in Dorchester.

Christina Ungaretti, who set up the House of Dorchester chocolate factory with her late husband Richard Ungaretti, was surrounded by loved ones at a party to mark the big day.

The function room at Castle View care home in Poundbury, where she has lived for the past 10 years, was filled with balloons, flowers and dozens of floral designs painted by Mrs Ungaretti.

She took up painting at the age of 96 and designs floral cards for her friends and family.

Mrs Ungaretti said: “I’m so overwhelmed by today, there are so many people here – it’s wonderful.

“In the last week almost everyone I know has come to see me and I’ve had more than 40 cards.”

Mrs Ungaretti was born in Dorchester in 1907 and, together with Mr Ungaretti, ran The Dorset Maid sweet shop in the county town selling handmade chocolates.

Their chocolate business developed into Dorchester Chocolates and then the famous House of Dorchester, which earned a Royal seal of approval in the 1970s.

Niece Angie Allingham said long life runs in their family.

She said: “Longevity definitely runs in the family.

“Both my parents are in their 90s. It must be in our genes. We all live locally and we come and see Chrissie quite often, she loves to beat us all at games of Scrabble.”

Mrs Ungaretti said: “I’m a happy person and I want everyone to be happy as well. If there is a secret to long life it’s don’t drink and don’t smoke – that’s how I’ve always lived.”