This is what the moment looks like when you’re opening your cards and discover that one has arrived from Windsor Castle, signed with congratulations and very best wishes from The Queen for your 100th birthday.

Tears of joy came to the eyes of Kathleen Harrison on Wednesday when she was surprised at the Coombe End Court care home in Marlborough by four generations of her family coming together to celebrate her centenary.

Kathleen, who was born on March 30, 1922 in the little village of Manningford Bohune, near Pewsey, had no idea that her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren would gather for a party in the grounds of the care home, and it quite overwhelmed her.

“There were a few tears but that was because Mum was over the moon, she didn’t know that the family was going to get together to sing her happy birthday and she was so pleased about it,” said her son Dennis, who organised the event.

Kathleen moved to Marlborough when she was a child. She left school at the age of 14 and went into service at Lockeridge House, cycling every day to work and back. Later, she and her husband Charlie had four children, Marge, Joe, Shirley and Dennis.

She worked at Pelham Puppets and then at the Garrard factory in Elcot Lane, Marlborough, and ended her working life at Haine & Smith’s Barnfield factory.

“Mum had a great time at her birthday party, which went on for two hours,” said Dennis.

When asked what was the secret of such a long life, Kathleen said, “Having a good son like Dennis.”