May's big birthday is celebrated with cakes, flowers and family

With a cheeky smile and surrounded by family and friends, May Bell made sure turning a century was an event to remember.

The former civil servant moved to the area from London some 40 years ago.

Mrs Bell, who was married to her husband Tom for 58 years, worked in the war office while Tom enlisted in the army.

The pair enjoyed holidaying in their caravan at Mill Farm with family members who often came to stay.

They retired to Pagham and sadly Tom passed away.

Mrs Bell is well liked and popular with all her neighbours and the whole street clubbed together to buy her flowers and card to mark her big day on May 22.

Fiercely independent, she organises all her own care and cooks her own meals and in addition is always keen to look after everyone else.