AN Antiques Roadshow super fan was overwhelmed by a given a surprise on her 105th birthday, when one of the show’s experts turned up to her party.

Vera Coppins celebrated her 105th birthday at the Old Vicarage care home in Chippenham on Saturday, inviting family and friends to a tea party.

Unbeknown to her, her daughter Wendy Olver and care home owner Leslie Williams had organised a surprise in the shape of Marc Allum, an expert on the Antiques Roadshow, who lives in the town.

Care home owner Leslie Williams who lives at the Old Vicarage and has run the home for 28 years, said: “It was lovely. She was overwhelmed when Marc from Antique Roadshow came.

“Marc and his wife brought her a birthday card, it was very nice. They were so nice and thoughtful and spent a lot of time talking to her.

“She has still got her badge on with her name and Antiques Roadshow.”

Afternoon tea was served to family, friends and staff who came along to wish Mrs Coppins a happy birthday. She was also given a large cake with a picture of herself iced onto it.

Her daughter Mrs Olver, 78, who lives at Monkton Park, said: “My mum knew she was having a tea party, but she didn’t know about Marc Allum and his wife coming.

“I think she enjoyed it. She appreciated everyone that came along.

“She isn’t used to seeing a great number of people in one go, so it was slightly overwhelming but she did very well.

“She has always been a fan of the show, right from the word go.”

Having being an avid viewer of Antiques Roadshow since the beginning, Mrs Coppins currently also loves watching the opening credits as they feature The Old Vicarage, and every week can point out her window on the television screen.

Mr Williams added: “She loves seeing her room on TV.”