A retired ballroom dancer has celebrated her 101st birthday.

Vera Joan Manning is a resident at Wilmington Manor Care Home and has lived in Dartford all her life.

She was born in Bexleyheath on January 19, 1923.

When she was 16, her mum died and so she lived with her dad and brother Geoffrey until moving out.

After leaving school she worked as a sales assistant at Boots.

She later started going to a dance school and learned Latin American ballroom dancing.

While there, she met her husband Stanley who was in the same class as her. The pair ended up eventually becoming dancing instructors at the school.

They taught Latin American dancing until they were 80 years old.

Staff at the care home helped Vera celebrate her birthday with a Latin American keep-fit class.

She was given flowers, cards and a homemade birthday greeting artwork made by other residents.

Vera was also given a pamper session at the care home’s in-house hair salon, a pantomime performance of The Wizard of Oz at the home, a performance by musician students from Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, and a homemade buffet.

Vera said: “I have well and truly been spoilt. I am thrilled to have done some Latin dance, as it is still one of my favourite things to do and watch.

“Thank you to my friends, family, and carers for making my birthday so special and making me feel so loved.”

Esther Ezeonyeka, home manager at Wilmington Manor Bupa Care Home, added: “We’re honoured to have been a part of this incredible lady’s 101st birthday celebrations.

“We’ve been having a wonderful time, and it has been lovely to see the residents enjoying the celebrations.

“Vera is a joy to be around and an inspiration to us all.”