Southbourne's Elsie Bailey celebrates her 100th birthday in lockdown

‘I don't feel 100. I still feel like I’m in my 80s,’ says Elsie Irene Bailey, as she opens her many cards on her 100th birthday.

By Annie Lewis

Published 21st Apr 2020, 11:17 BST

Updated 21st Apr 2020, 12:18 BST

Born on April 8, 1920, Elsie, née Gunstone, she celebrated her centenary at Prinsted Care Home, Southbourne, with her friends and staff.

She says: ‘My grandchildren, daughter Janet and family came to the window to have conversation with me and give me my cards and presents.’

The birthday girl then had a tea party in the front room with balloons, cake and fizz.

Elsie smiles and says: ‘The home have done the best they possibly could in the circumstances. I had a lovely day.’

Reflecting on her 100 years, Elsie says she has learnt lots of lessons.

‘But the main one is to lead a good, clean and happy life,’ she adds.