Frances receives 100 cards on her 100th birthday after community responds to Facebook campaign

Staff at Barchester Middletown Grange in Hailey were inundated with fabulous cards for Frances and her fellow centenarian Pauline, who turns 100 on April 25, after they put an appeal on Facebook.

And people from all over the country rallied to make sure Frances had a truly memorable day. 

General manager Clemence Heriman said: "We are blessed to have these two amazing women living, and thriving within our home. The mountain of cards we have, and continue to receive for each lady has warmed our hearts.

"We will be sure to read each and every one to the ladies."

Mrs Paintin was joined by staff and her fellow residents for a champagne reception and enjoyed a special birthday cake made and decorated by the home’s second chef Jadwiga Phipps.

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Her room was filled with cards, gifts and balloons while she wore her very own ‘Birthday Queen’ sash and crown to read her telegram from the Queen.

Mrs Paintin said: "I couldn’t believe the amount of cards I received, beautiful handmade ones from school children, and cards from people I don’t know, I feel so loved. It’s been fun turning 100 - I might do it again!"

Mrs Paintin attended Harwell Primary School in Didcot as a child and married Ernest in 1943 when she was 21.

They lived in Littlemore and she worked at Hunts Café in Oxford's Covered Market.

Nowadays she loves relaxing listening to saxophone music and playing cards and dominoes.

Ms Heriman added: “Frances is such a popular resident, we have always treated her like a queen and today she shone as bright as a diamond!

"We look forward to continue being her loyal subjects as she breaks into her next century.”