MORE than 100 birthday messages were sent to a care home resident this week to celebrate her 109th birthday.

Avonbourne Care Centre resident Phyllis Haley turned 109-years-old on Tuesday, making her the oldest person in Wiltshire and the 29th oldest person in the UK, according to website Oldest in Britain.

To celebrate the special day a tea party was organised for Mrs Haley, where she received the surprise card boasting around 109 birthday wishes.

The influx of messages came following a social media appeal, set up by the Orders Of St. John Care Trust.

She was also sent a card from the Queen and received birthday messages from famous gardener Alan Titchmarsh and baker Mary Berry.

Finally Mrs Haley was presented a birthday cake from Bettys Tea Rooms, as she held her wedding reception at its Leeds branch in 1934.

Mrs Haley was married to the late Colonel Ralph Haley OBE for more than 60 years, and following his retirement they settled in the south of England to be near daughters Barbara and Sue.

Simon McLean, general manager at Avonbourne Care Centre, said: “Mrs Haley is a real character and a true inspiration to us all here.

"She has such a positive outlook on life and we all have a huge amount of affection and admiration for her.”

Mrs Haley said the secret to a long life is “be happy-go-lucky!”.