WW2 balloon operator celebrates 100th birthday

Winnie received a card from the King to mark her 100th birthday

A former Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) balloon operator and motor transport driver has celebrated her 100th birthday at a care home in Lichfield.

Winnie Seeley received a card from King Charles III, which is customary for the milestone birthday, and marked the occasion with her family as well as residents at The Spires care home.

She enjoyed a champagne reception as well as a special birthday cake made by the resident chef.

Ms Seeley’s daughter Ann Cheung said Winnie enjoyed the day reminiscing and opening birthday cards.

Care home staff made a special birthday cake to mark the occasion

Ms Cheung said: "She’s a wonderful woman, she’s done so many things – she was always adventurous, trying different things and doing things for the family."

"She’s very cheerful and optimistic. She’s very frail, she’s 100, but she has such a sense of humour."

'Truly remarkable woman'

Ms Seeley met her husband, an RAF squadron leader, during World War Two and they later moved to Singapore.

The care home’s operations manager Ula Muskus said: "We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone.

"Winnie is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more as she breaks into her next century."