A Suffolk care home is appealing to the community to send 101 cards to celebrate a resident's 101st birthday.

Irene Pilborough will be marking the milestone on March 19, and the care home hopes to reach the number of her age in birthday cards.

Ms Pilborough is a resident of Chilton Meadows Bupa Care Home, on Union Road in Stowmarket.

She will be celebrating the occasion with an afternoon tea at Narey’s Garden Centre with her best friend Mandy, followed by a homemade cake and watching her favourite documentary - The Queen - with her fellow residents.

East Anglian Daily Times:

The 100-year-old said that her advice on how to live a long and happy life includes how to act towards others: “The one thing that has always stood me in good stead has been being kind and compassionate to everyone.

"I am thoroughly looking forward to my 101st birthday, especially afternoon tea with Mandy."

Amanda Delabruyere, home manager at Chilton Meadows, said: “We are really looking forward to celebrating Irene’s birthday with her.

"We are hoping to receive as many cards as possible to show her how truly special she is.

"It is incredibly important to us at Chilton Meadows to celebrate our residents’ milestones as it really boosts their physical and mental wellbeing.”

Ms Pilborough grew up in Birmingham before moving to Needham Market.

One of her greatest hobbies has always been working with textiles and in haberdashery, a passion that she has continued since moving to Chilton Meadows, as a member of the care home’s weekly Knitter Knatter club, where she knits cardigans and blankets to donate to babies and families at the neonatal unit.

If you would like to send a card to Irene, please address it to: Irene Pilborough, Chilton Meadows Bupa Care Home, Union Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1HL.