A DORSET woman who ran Dorchester sweet shop The Dorset Maid has celebrated her 106th birthday.

Christina Ungaretti, known as Chrissie, spent the special day quietly at Colten Care’s Castle View home in Dorchester where she has lived for more than 11 years. She was born in 1907 – seven years before the outbreak of the First World War.

Together with her late husband Richard, she was well known in the county town for her sweet shop, The Dorset Maid, in Dorchester, selling handmade quality chocolates. It evolved into the firm of Dorchester Chocolates and later the House of Dorchester.

Such was Her Majesty’s liking for its plain chocolate bars, the Queen granted the company a Royal Warrant which was held for 15 years.

The Royal connection continued with HRH Prince Charles opening the current factory in Poundbury in 1998.

Four years later, His Royal Highness performed the opening ceremony at Castle View. Castle View Head of Care Ashika Reddy said Mrs Ungaretti had enjoyed a quiet day surrounded by cards, flowers and a specially baked birthday cake. She said: “Chrissie is very chatty and always keen to look her best.

“She is very popular with staff and fellow residents and, despite her age, still young at heart.”