A FLINTSHIRE woman was able to celebrate turning 100 in the most heart-warming way possible, thanks to the efforts of her family and her care home.

Wepre Villa Care Home, in Connah’s Quay, hosted a touching birthday party for Mary Brierly on Friday, April 26 – the day she officially turned one hundred.

And the celebration proved to be an unforgettable one when the Flintshire centenarian was handed a laptop to use for a Skype video call to her daughter in Australia.

Mrs Brierly’s daughter, Joan Thomas, has lived in Adelaide, Australia, for about 45 years, and last saw her mother five years ago when they visited the UK.

But in a touching moment, the centenarian was able to see her daughter Joan, as well as her two grown granddaughters, and her three great-grandchildren, speaking to the family for more than thirty minutes.

The heartening conversation between Mrs Brierly and her Adelaide-based family was only able to take place thanks to the efforts of her other daughter, Mrs Patricia Ellis - who regularly visits her mother with other family members who remain in the UK - and Wepre Villa care home.

Speaking to the Leader, Mrs Ellis said: “They (Wepre Villa) were wonderful, and really went to town to help us celebrate the big day. Mum really enjoyed it.

“I was asked what I wanted, and everything that I asked to have was granted. So, I can’t praise them enough.”

Julie Cotgrave, Manager of Wepre Villa Care Home, described Mrs Brierly as “delightful”, and added that she’s been a pleasure to be around over the past 12 months.

Wepre Villa also helped in providing a hairdresser to come and visit Mrs Brierly, allowing her to have her hair freshly done for the party.

Around 30 close friends and family members turned up at the Connah’s Quay care home to help Mrs Brierly celebrate the momentous occasion.

They were joined in attendance by the Vice-Chairman of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Marion Bateman, and her Consort, Councillor Haydn Bateman.

After the birthday celebration, Councillor Marion Bateman said: “It was such a pleasure and an honour to be there.

"She’s an incredible lady with a lovely family, and it was a very happy occasion. It was an honour to be there and to celebrate this wonderful birthday.

"She had a beautiful cake with a photograph on it, and lots of balloons. It was lovely, and a very happy occasion.”

In recognition of the incredible achievement of celebrating her one hundredth birthday, Mrs Brierly received special telegrams from the Queen, as well as the Minister of Wales.

Mrs Brierly was born in Shotton on April 26, 1919 and is one of six siblings. She was married to her husband George Henry for 60 years, having three children – Patricia, Joan, and David – and eight grandchildren.

She lived in Flintshire her entire life, working at the former Courtaulds works in Flint before becoming a Head Cook at Custom House Lane CP School in Connah's Quay until her retirement in 1982.