A VERY special visitor headed to one Ludlow care home to help a resident celebrate a milestone birthday.

Phyllis Betts marked her 100th birthday with a tea party at Churchill House Care Home in Ludlow, Shropshire, with Crumpet the Shetland pony as a surprise guest.

Miss Betts, who had expressed a wish to ride a horse on her 100th birthday, was delighted to include her unexpected visitor in the celebrations.

She was joined by friends, other residents, and the caring team to celebrate her milestone birthday and Churchill House provided cupcakes, tea and balloons. Phyllis’ birthday card from King Charles and The Queen Consort was in pride of place.

Miss Betts and her twin sister Margery were born in Hackney, London in 1924. She also had an older sister, Barbara. Just 15 when the Second World War broke out, she spent her war years in a factory testing the first wireless telephones, which were destined to be used by British troops in the field.

After the war, she worked as a librarian for the American Air Force in three separate bases around the UK. She never married and instead travelled widely, spending over a year living in New Zealand, where she still has family today. Her twin sister Margery sadly died in 1984.

Phyllis Betts in her younger years, while working for the American Air ForcePhyllis Betts in her younger years, while working for the American Air Force (Image: Submitted)

Miss Betts said: “I have led a charmed life in many ways. By not marrying I have had the luxury and freedom to pursue my own dreams and to work and travel where I have wanted – not that I was short of marriage offers! I’m not sure what the secret to reaching 100 is, but perhaps not taking sugar in my tea has helped?

“The team at Churchill House has gone out of their way to make my birthday a truly memorable day and I loved having Crumpet the pony with us to join in the celebrations. He was very well-behaved!”

Steve Evison, Churchill House home manager, said: “It has been a joy for us to join Phyllis in marking this wonderful milestone. We were delighted we managed to keep the appearance of Crumpet the pony a secret from her, as not much gets past her.”