100, still has twinkle in her eye; Family and friends gather for celebration.

SURROUNDED by her family and friends, great-grandmother Olive Pruce celebrated her 100th birthday with an extra-special party.

Born in 1909 in Penmarc, Vale of Glamorgan, Olive later moved to nearby Rhoose and worked at the village's historic farmhouse.

She married Albert at the age of 23 at St Curig Church, Porthkerry, and later started a career at the old airport where she stayed until her retirement.

Their son Clifford was born amidst the outbreak of World War II in 1939, and Olive devoted her time to lovingly caring for her family, including her parents.

Clifford met and married Barbara in the Swinging Sixties, bringing Olive the companionship of a daughter-in-law, and before the decade was out, she welcomed three grandchildren into the world.

After Olive sadly lost her beloved Albert in 1980, she played an active role in village life and enjoyed going to the Darby and Joan club where she was always keen to lend a hand in the kitchen..

She also loved to grow her own fruit and vegetables and produced some of the best pickled onions around.

Her great-granddaughter Lea-Anne Jones said: "I remember her always knitting, and each new member of the family was presented with numerous matinee jackets." Olive remains in good health and Lea-Anne said the centenarian can still turn heads.

"She has a twinkle in her eye, never misses a trick and can outwit members of her family 80 years her junior!" she said.

And the popular resident at Springbank Nursing Home, Barry, had several gentleman friends who were on hand to celebrate her birthday.

"We think she manages to keep them at arm's length most of the time," added Lea-Anne.

"It was with much love and pride that we raised a glass in honour of a truly remarkable lady."