A VERY special celebration took place in Dorchester as a great grandmother who fled Belgium following Nazi occupation raised a glass on her 100th birthday.

Marie Louise Grosvenor who lives at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home in Dorchester enjoyed an afternoon tea party with over thirty family and friends.

Joining them was the Dorchester Mayor, councillor Andy Canning, who presented Marie Louise with her 100th birthday card from King Charles and The Queen Consort.

Marie Louise was born in Belgium in 1925. During the Second World War, following the Nazi invasion of Belgium in 1940, Marie Louise was forced to flee her homeland with her family.

After a long and terrifying journey across the Channel, they finally found safety and settled in Wimbledon, London.

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Marie Louise Grosvenor with her children Picture: Somerleigh Court

In 1948 Marie Louise married Roy Grosvenor in Kingston Upon Thames, which they made their home.

Marie Louise enjoyed a busy career as a financial advisor and raised two children. Today she enjoys a large, multi-generational family with two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The centenarian said: “It was wonderful to have so many family and friends around me to celebrate my big birthday – and thank you to the Somerleigh Court team for making the day so special with a cake and gifts.

“I’ve certainly enjoyed an interesting life, but I think having a busy family life has kept me young.

“I still have many things to look forward to, including meeting my great grandchildren who live in Australia.”

Kerry Mason, home manager, Somerleigh Court, said: “Marie Louise has only been at Somerleigh Court for a few months but she is already a popular member of the Somerleigh Court family who manages to take a full and active part in life at the home.

“It has been lovely to celebrate this milestone birthday with her.”