CARE home staff brought memories flooding back for one resident celebrating her 101st birthday – with a dazzling array of outfits.

Kathleen Blakeley, from Blackburn, marked the day with a garden party at the Hope House care home in Accrington, complete with a social distanced singer and party food.

On her special day, she was also surprised by staff from the home who wore fancy dress costumes from each decade of her life.

Mrs Blakeley was born in Blackburn in 1919 and began her working life as a baker and confectioner, aged just 14.

Coming from a family of five, she specialised in decorating wedding cakes before getting married herself. She had a daughter and a son with her husband who passed away after a happy 33 year-long marriage.

Mrs Blakeley said: “I believe the recipe for long life is hard work, determination and the love of family and friends.”

She spent the last 20 years of her working life at Blackburn College as a cook before retiring at the age of 65.

After her retirement, she devoted her life to her three grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Staff dressed up in colourful rainbow hippy trousers, blue denim dresses and polka dot dresses to represent the different styles from different years of her life.

Mrs Blakeley’s hobbies include reading, knitting and gardening.

She loves gardening and took great pride in her garden and could not settle on an evening until it was immaculate and neat.

Staff at the care home have described her as a “wonderful character” and expressed their delight at being able to celebrate her special milestone with her.

Cathy Yates, home manager, said: “Kathleen is an amazing person who deserves to enjoy and celebrate this special day. It has been a privilege to get to know Kathleen.”

Kathleen’s daughter, Patricia Worsley, praised staff at the home for giving their mother a day to remember.

She said: “Thank you so much to everyone that took time out of their busy schedules to help my mother enjoy and celebrate her birthday.

“I can’t thank the carers enough for all their help over the past year.”

Hope House wished Mrs Blakeley a wonderful birthday and expressed how grateful they were that she was with them at the home, as they loved seeing her face light up every day and spending time with her.