A Maidstone centenarian has died, not quite four months after her unforgettable 100th birthday.

Ivy Watson was a resident at Barty House care home in Bearsted.

Ahead of her birthday last September 28, staff put out an Internet appeal asking well-wishers to send her a card - and there was a tremendous response.

Ivy received 723 cards altogether, some from Scotland, America and even Australia, while local school children designed their own cards and sent them to the home in Roundwell.

Sadly today, Barty House has confirmed that Ivy has passed away.

A spokesman said: "We are hugely upset by the loss of our lovely resident Ivy Watson who has passed away aged 100.

"Her 100th birthday in September had been a magical one, thanks to the good wishes and fabulous generosity of the community.

"Ivy was a thoughtful, caring and generous lady and we will all miss her tremendously."