'Incredible' response for woman's 104th birthday

Hilda Bond, lives at St Mark’s Care Home in Maidenhead

A care home resident has been showered with cards and flowers ahead of her 104th birthday.

Hilda Bond lives at St Mark’s Care Home in Maidenhead where staff appealed to the community for cards to mark her big day on Saturday.

The Bupa home will host a garden party for Mrs Bond with a live singer and her favourite Victoria sponge cake.

When asked what her secret was for living a long and happy life, she said: "Just take one day at a time... don't put yourself down all the time, be happy."

Hilda is one of seven children born into a farming family in Hampshire

Of her birthday, she joked: "Goodness knows what the day will be like, I think I'll have a day in bed and lock the door."

Mrs Bond is one of seven children born into a farming family in Hampshire.

She worked on Slough Trading Estate during the war for a zip factory, and when her partner returned from the war, they got married and had two sons.

Hilda married after her partner returned from the war and they had two sons

"Hilda is such a wonderful, incredible lady, she's always got such a wonderful smile and always looks very glamorous," said Kirstie Hanson, activities co-ordinator at St Mark’s Care Home.

"Every birthday and every milestone should be celebrated, so Hilda turning 104 is just so special."

Mrs Bond has been sent almost 400 cards from well-wishers.

When talking about the community response to the birthday, Ms Hanson said it had been "absolutely incredible".

"We've had cards from local schools, local community groups, neighbours - it's just been amazing so we want to say thank you to everyone that has sent cards and flowers," she said.