Surrounded by her friends, with music playing and food and drink, Dorothy Eyles enjoyed a surprise early birthday party.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dorothy Eyles celebrates her 100th birthday at the Hand in Hand club in Felixstowe.Dorothy Eyles celebrates her 100th birthday at the Hand in Hand club in Felixstowe. (Image: Archant)

Miss Eyles, of Gosford Way in Felixstowe, will celebrate her 100th birthday later this month but members of the Hand in Hand Club, a group for deaf and blind people, decided to throw the early party at The Hut, on Felixstowe promenade, on Thursday.

Miss Eyles, who was born in Ipswich on June 26, 1913, has lived in Felixstowe for about 50 years.

She was a social worker during her working life.

She has no children but members of her family often visit her at her home, where she still lives on her own.

Miss Eyles said: “I enjoyed everything really and I enjoyed working.

“I looked after my mother for eight years and after she died I started doing other things.

“I went on lots of fun holidays with my friends as well.”