Additional reporting by Kristin Hawthorne

A Wren who worked as a radar plotter during the Second World War has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Vera Brett was joined by friends and family at The Unicorn pub in Marden.

She blew out her candles and looked back at what she describes as a century of memories.

The 100-year-old has volunteered her time to many different causes – including running a companions group that met weekly at the pub, which is now called Ladies at Lunch.

Vera applied to support the war effort through the Royal Navy as soon as she was able to.

After training, she was initially employed on a radar station, protecting Falmouth, as part of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS).

At the time of D-Day, Vera was just 19 years old and stationed in Portsmouth.

Living at WRNS’ quarters in Southsea, she remembers leaving work on June 5, 1944 and seeing the Royal Navy vessels docked in the harbour, but when she woke up the next morning they had all left.

Last year she lit a ceremonial beacon at His Majesty's Naval Base in Portsmouth to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Vera said: “I volunteered to join the Wrens because in those days if you were 18 you had to register and if you were a single girl you had to go and do something government-wise.

“As there was nothing local and I didn't fancy the land army, I volunteered.

“The day after my 18th birthday the Navy called me and I went to London for the initial training and interviews.

“I was allocated to what was then a very hush-hush radar section and I was a radar Wren throughout the war.”

The Modern History Society was invited to come along to celebrate.

Eunice Doswell, who chairs the group, said: “I've known her for 58 years and heard all the stories about her life in the Navy and how her parents didn't want her to go. It's lovely to be here with her.”

The owner of The Unicorn pub, Nikki Podac, organised the special event.

She is grateful for Vera's weekly presence, adding that she has been a great friend and a welcoming face to the community.

“Every single Thursday when she comes over for lunch she tells us a story," Nikki said.

"She remembers the times when there were not even streetlights in Marden so you just get fascinated by her stories.

“I think it is part of history and her history is very important to Marden and to us as well.”

Vera says to “always be kind and helpful”. Her advice for the younger generation is to enjoy meeting new people and value face-to-face conversations with those around you.

She added: “I've enjoyed my life, it's been a full life and I've been very fortunate.”