MUSIC, sherry and a beautiful cake set the scene for a celebration of 100 years of life for one of the oldest residents at Tavistock's Harewood House.

Phyllis Langsford was delighted with the celebration the residential home had put on for her to mark her 100th birthday.

The celebration was planned for Phyllis' actual birthday on December 28 but had to be postponed due to the bad weather.

As for turning 100, Phyllis said: 'I don't feel any different from 99, but I am pleased to have reached it.

'My family put on a special buffet at the Ordulph for my birthday. It was a surprise — all I knew was that trouble was brewing, but it was a lovely surprise.'

Mayor of Tavistock Cllr David Whitcomb, who used to be neighbours with Phyllis, made a visit to the party at Harewood House.

He said: 'I've known Phyllis for 12 years and I am very privileged to know this young lady. She's been a wonderful neighbour and it is great that she has got to the delightful age of one hundred.'

Phyllis was born in Devonport but moved with her family to a farm in Metherell when she was 13, where she worked after finishing school.

She later worked in service at Cotehele House, where she met and married Gilbert in 1933. The couple moved to Norris Green where they had two children, Terry and Diane, and later moved to Tavistock in 1980. Phyllis now has six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Phyllis expressed thanks to everyone who made her birthday such a special event.