A fiercely independent animal lover has celebrated her 100 birthday with a tea party in the sunshine.

Brenda Auld from Churchdown reached the milestone on May 2 and was in great spirits meeting relatives at the gathering on Sunday.

Born in Deptford, London in 1917, she worked for the air ministry during World War Two and then at Stephenson Clarke Industrial Fuels where she became a senior routeing clerk.

In 1982, Brenda moved to Churchdown to be nearer her family- brother Norman, sister-in-law Joyce and nephews Richard and Martin.

These days the pensioner, who has never married, enjoys spending time with her 14-year-old cat Tammy.

“Auntie B loves her animals,” said Martin.

“They will sit in the chair together watching the world go by. Tammy will jump up to spend time with her.

“She has always had pets. One of them was an Australian Shepherd dog called Jess.

“We had a collection for the RSPCA at the party on Sunday. It was a lovely day in the sunshine.”

Over the years, Brenda has spent her spare time doing cross stitch and making all her own clothes.

She taught children how to sew at Churchdown Infants and was part of a group who made kneelers for St Bartholomews church.

Her other hobbies were attending meetings of Churchdown WI, working as the treasurer for the local Probus group and meeting up with a local walking group.

In her heyday, Brenda was also an avid gardener.