BELLY dancers were the celebration of choice for a centenarian surprised with a birthday party.

Thora Worters of Buckland Newton was born on February 9, 1914, just before the outbreak of the First World War. She had some near-misses during the Blitz and played a vital role on the Home Front.

Originally from Gloucestershire, Thora was inspired to move to Dorset following happy childhood memories of holidaying in Weymouth.

Before this she led an eventful life, working for the Petroleum Board in Bristol during the Second World War, playing a vital role rationing petrol.

Thora’s contribution was so important that when she applied to join the WRNS she was told she needed to stay at the Petroleum Board.

There were some near-misses. During one night-time air raid the whole area around her workplace was flattened and she had to guess the direction to head in.

Another time she returned to the family home with her parents to find it had been bombed while they were out.

In 1945 Thora married Maurice Worters and the pair moved to Dorset before having son Paul.

Thora became a personal assistant to an orthopaedic surgeon and she and Maurice moved to Buckland Newton in 1986 which she called ‘one of the best decisions we ever made.’ The grandmother-of-three was treated to a surprise bash at Buckland Newton Village Hall on Friday, February 7 and there was belly dancing, at her request.