A keen-eyed codebreaker who helped secure Victory in Europe has shared some heartfelt advice to younger generations as she marks a major milestone birthday.

Louisa ‘Joan’ Alexander made the selfless decision to do her part for Queen and country following the outbreak of the Second World War, joining the now famous Bletchley Park team.

It was there Joan worked alongside others to crack the German ‘Enigma’ code, a breakthrough widely understood to have been a major factor in the Allied victory.

Joan spent two years of the war at Bletchley decoding messages in secret as part of this now iconic team of heroes.

In 1973, she made her home in Gravesend, where she has lived happily in her much-loved community ever since.

Joan recently marked her 100th birthday, surrounded by friends and family and her team of carers from Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford, where she reflected on her experiences.

She told them she is still inspired by her love for Britain and its fascinating history, just as she was in her heroic codebreaking years.

And decades after her vital work, she still tries to learn something new every day.

“Even at 100 there’s always more to discover,” she said.

Reflecting on her first 100 years, Joan also had some heartfelt advice for younger generations:

“Time is so special because you cannot touch or see it, yet it shapes everything we are and do,” she added.

“Embrace every moment, as it’s these moments that make us who we are.

“My hope for others is that they approach life with tolerance, respect for others, and above all, stay true to who they are.”

Branch manager at Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford Annabel said: “It was a real pleasure for the team to have been able to share this very special day with Joan.

“We support hundreds of people across the Gravesham and Dartford community to live long, meaningful lives while staying safe and comfortable at home, and we are proud to have been able to reflect on her fascinating life together and support her to continue to live independently and pursue her passion for learning.”