TELEVISION presenter Lorraine Kelly is among scores of people who have sent messages congratulating Taunton's Dulcie Clatworthy on her 104th birthday.

Earlier this week, the County Gazette published an appeal asking people to send cards for Dulcie's big day on Monday (March 8).

She has already received bundles of cards at her home at the Manor Care Home, in Bishop's Hull.

But the biggest surprise has been a video from Lorraine Kelly.

In it, the TV star said: "I can't believe that you're 104-years-old.

"You've got to tell me your secret for looking so fantastic and the way that youo enjoy life.

"I hope that you have a wonderful, wonderful birthday...congratulations."

Dulcie has missed being able to hug her daughter Barbara during the current Covid restrictions, although they are able to meet up and chat through a glass partition, using a microphone.

Dulcie and her daughter Barbara

Dulcie and her daughter Barbara

Manor Care Home's activities co-ordinator Marc Chidgey said: "Dulcie's a marvellous person.

"You couldn't tell she is almost 104. She's very with it.

"She gets on with all the staff and nothing really fazes her. She's making the best of things.

"She enjoys being able to see and communicate with her daughter, although she misses the hugs, and she misses coming into the staff's room to have a cup of tea."

Dulcie was born and brought up in the North Petherton area.

She worked in the munitions factory in Bridgwater during the Second World War.

She was married to George and the couple moved to Taunton, where he worked for Maynard's Bakery.

After George died in 1970, Dulcie lived with her daughter Barbara for 20 years before moving to Manor Care Home at the age of 98.

Fellow residents in her care home have made her a large birthday card and a musical entertainer will perform via Zoom at a party on Monday.

People are being asked to send birthday cards to Dulcie Caltworthy, c/o The Activities Co-ordinator, Manor Care Home, Haydon Close, Bishop's Hull, TA1 5HF.