When Blanche Eldridge received almost 200 cards on her centennial birthday her loving family struggled to think of way to top the celebrations for her 102nd birthday this week.

But the answer was simple. Having not spent her birthday with her family since before she reached 100 all she wanted was to celebrate with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all in one room.

Today, Blanche was surprised with her dream as she was greeted by all of her extended family singing a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday at the care home where she lives in Sutton-at-Hone.

The moment was all the more touching for the devoted grandma and great-grandma as she had missed out on the much-anticipated family reunion for her last milestone.

Her granddaughter Amanda Eldridge said: "Since nanny's 100th birthday things have been a bit rocky.

"After missing her family Christmas in 2021 due to Covid, January 2022 was extremely tough. Nanny had a series of falls and ended up in hospital.

"She was unfortunately unable to recover and after suffering multiple UTIs we honestly thought her outlook was not good.

"But, as usual, nanny fought back and decided enough was enough and recovered. Due to her legs being very weak it was agreed she could no longer live independently and had to move into a care home."

Blanche, who used to live in Higham, has been living at Broad Oak Manor Care Home, in Arnolds Lane, Sutton-at-Hone, since August.

She said: "What brings me the most joy these days is all my family coming to see me. There's always a visit on most days. I am also treated very well here, they look after me."

As well as the family reunion, her care home wanted to recreate Blanche's 100-card birthday challenge, aiming this time for 102.

Amanda said: "We're helping nanny open them. We've got to 108 so far."

Over the 10 decades in which Blanche has lived, she says the 60s and 70s were the best.

"You could go out and enjoy yourself, it was safer and I enjoyed time with my husband going on lots of holidays, " she said.

She says the best advances she has seen have been those in medication, communication and transport.

She said: "I have a mobile, so I can call my family."

The worst advances, for her, have been the threat of nuclear weapons and wars, and the pace of life.

"Everyone is always in a hurry and time seems to go much quicker," she said.

Having reached the ripe old age of 102 Blanche says she has no plans to go anywhere just yet and hopes to match the record of Kent's oldest resident. Violet Wood, from Whitstable, was Britain's oldest person when she died in 2011 at the age of 112.

Blanche said: "I am happy where I am and would like to go on for as many years as I can."

And is there anything she wants to achieve?

"I've always wanted to go in a hot air balloon," she laughs. "But don't get me in one now at my age"

She has four grandchildren: Amanda Sibun, 38, from Gravesend; Sam Eldridge, 41 from Surrey; Kerry Mendis, 45, from Dartford; and Neil McGlew, 42, who lives in Australia.

Blanche has four great-grandchildren: Noah Sibun, seven; Isaac Mendis, nine; Hollie Hill, 10; and Amelia Mendis, 13; as well as three step great-grandchildren – Daisy, nine, Jude, 11, and Millie, 17.