A Sittingbourne woman has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Vera Matson, who spent 98 years in Shortlands Road, received her special letter from the Queen on July 26, surrounded by her family, including some of her 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Some of her relatives travelled all the way from Australia to celebrate her centenary.

Born at the Queen Charlotte Hospital, London, Vera moved to the town when she was just two months old.

She was brought up by her shipwright grandparents, often helping them out on barges in the Swale.

“Her family is her everything and no matter what anyone needed or wanted, she would always do her best for them" - Vera's daughter Sharon Beaney

Her first marriage to Mick Chawner was cut tragically short when he was killed during the Second World War but she went on to marry the father of her children, Charles Morgan.

They had three sons and three daughters.

When Mr Morgan died from emphysema, she met Reg Matson who she later married.

After working on the boats, Vera spent years hop and fruit picking before working in a taxi office in Sittingbourne.

She was once a keen swimmer and knitter but has spent the last two years at Kingsfield Care Home in Whitstable Road, Faversham.

Her daughter Sharon Beaney said: “Before she became poorly, she was a caring, loving mother who wanted to help everyone.

“Her family is her everything and no matter what anyone needed or wanted, she would always do her best for them.

“Her impact on them was shown by the great turnout at her birthday celebration.

“She was just a really lovely mother.”