AN AUDIENCE with the Queen marked the 100th birthday of great grandmother Vera Connelly.

But although the centenarian received a card from Her Majesty she had to make do with a life-sized cardboard cut-out of the Royal as she cracked open the champagne at her celebration.

Staff at Starmount Villa in Browns Road, Bradley Fold, where Mrs Connelly has lived for the past two years, invited the replica Queen to afternoon tea party, which was attended by family, friends and fellow residents.

The life-size cut-out is brought out for special occasions and activities, and loved by the residents.

One of 13 children, Mrs Connelly was born in Salford and grew up in the city until her family moved to Hulme, Manchester, when she was 12.

During the Second World War Mrs Connelly was evacuated to Herefordshire for three years to a grand house which was also occupied by English playwright and novelist J. B. Priestly.

Married twice to Robert Rowe and James Connelly she lived in Wythenshawe until moving to the home, raising her two children as well as working in in cafes, a soap factory and as a dinner lady.

The grandmother of five and great-grandmother of five continued to live in her own home until she was 98, but as her health deteriorated she moved to Starmount Villa to be closer to her granddaughters.

Mrs Connelly’s granddaughter, Sarah Rowe, said she always active, enjoying walks and exercise, adding: “She loved knitting and sewing and she could make anything and everything until her sight got worse and she had to stop.

“She is partially blind and now loves to listen to audiobooks and the radio on her set of headphones.

“She is a very kind, knowledgeable and lovely lady, great at giving advice, and says that she got to 100 because she eats well.”

To mark the special occasion Mrs Connelly also enjoyed a meal out with family.

Lesley Swinnerton, owner of Starmount Villa, said Mrs Connelly had a fantastic birthday adding: “She it still reminiscing about how good the day was.

“In the 17 years that I have owned the home this is only the second time we have had someone live to be 100, so it is magnificent.”