Portsmouth centenarian Joyce Lane is still smiling on her 100th birthday

Born on November 18, 1920, Joyce celebrated her special milestone at her home at Bluewater Care Home, Kingston Road, Portsmouth.

The only child of Clara and Bob Barrow – who was a survivor of the Somme in the First World War – Joyce grew up in Birmingham.

It was there she was introduced to her future husband, Eric Charles Lane, through a very good friend, Betty.

Joyce with her great-great-grandaughter, Ava.

Betty suggested that Joyce should start writing to him as a pen pal during the Second World War, in which Eric was an engineer in the RAF.

While he was away, Joyce worked at Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham as an inspector of spitfires and she would also taxi with a pilot to test them.

Joyce and Eric married in Portsmouth and had two daughters, Carol and Helen.

Eric started working for ASWE, where Joyce spent time serving teas at social events.

Joyce with her daughter Carol, grandaughter Selina, great-grandaughter Charlotte and great-great-grandaughter Ava.

The Lanes enjoyed trips to Scotland and other destinations and spending time with their four grandchildren. Joyce and Eric were together until his death in 1991.

Now a great-great-grandmother, Joyce enjoyed birthday celebrations at Bluewater Care Home where the staff prepared a wonderful cake.

Joyce adds: ‘I don’t feel any different to how I felt yesterday.’