Not many of those the other side of 100 can still make scones, do their own washing and play Scrabble - but Jean Turner isn't like most centenarians.

The popular Dorchester resident celebrated her 102nd birthday with a specially written 'cry' performed by the town crier and was sung 'Happy Birthday' to by a socially distanced crowd outside her home.

Dorset Echo:

Jean Turner

Sprightly Jean claims that the secret to her longevity is 'living at Swanbridge Court', where she is able to maintain her independence and enjoyed a full and varied social life before the pandemic.

As a charity volunteer Jean has collected numerous donations for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance over the years.

Helen Mullender, development manager for FirstPort Retirement Property Services, which manages the retirement development, helped organise the celebration because, she said, Jean has done so much for others it was only right that she be in the spotlight.

Dorchester Town Crier Alistair Chisholm did a 'cry' for Jean while radio station Keep 106 broadcast special messages to the birthday girl from loved ones and played 'Happy Birthday' over a speaker set up outside. Keeping safe and socially distanced in her flat, Jean waved and smiled during the witty 'cry' and sing-song.

Jean, who was visited by her daughter Gaynor Turner on her birthday, said: "I can't believe I have all this attention. I've been having a wonderful birthday with lots of lovely flowers.

"We had a nice lunch with a little bottle of bubbly and did a Skype call to Australia."

Former typist Jean was wished a happy birthday by her son Phil and his family, who live in Australia.

Jean, who was born on February 25, 1919, has two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She left school aged 14 to learn shorthand and typing before marrying her sweetheart, Peter, who was in the RAF. Following various postings, including one of Jean’s favourites, Singapore, Peter and Jean returned to the south west of England to settle with their young family.

Peter and Jean moved to Swanbridge Court in 1990, where they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2006. Peter sadly died in 2007 and and Jean has remained living at the retirement development happily and independently, surrounded by her friends.

Dorset Echo:

Town Crier Alistair Chisholm performs the specially written cry for Jean

Mrs Mullender added: “Jean is a truly inspirational lady and a legend to all who know her. To this day she still walks around the gardens, launders her own clothes, cooks her own meals and makes wonderful scones.

"Until the lockdowns and end to communal gatherings she took part in all social events, won regularly at Scrabble and thoroughly enjoyed watching The Crown. We all wish her the happiest of birthdays.”

If you are celebrating a milestone birthday, an engagement a birth or any other special occasion, call 01305 830973 or email Joanna Davis here to feature your celebration in the Dorset Echo.