A ‘fabulous’ woman living in Burnt Oak marked her 100th birthday with a musical celebration surrounded by friends and family.

Joan Evans, a former drama teacher at the Guildhall School of music and drama, enjoyed a career in the arts like her mother and aunt, who both also lived to 100 years old.

Her lifelong friend Auline-Jean Melbourne paid tribute to Joan’s long life with a piece of music composed especially for Joan at the party thrown on Monday (September 26) at Appletree Court care home, Burnt Oak Broadway.

Along with long-time friends, Joan was joined by her second cousin, David Medley, her only living relative, who travelled from Southampton with his wife to join the celebration.

Care home manager Patricia Waldron said: “Miss Jones is a fabulous person and is one of our most popular residents – she is always cheery and a delight to care for.”

Guests gave Joan gifts and she also received the traditional telegram and birthday card from the queen.