ONE-hundred year-old Julia Wheal became Abbeyfield Court s first centenarian this week.

ONE-hundred year-old Julia Wheal became Abbeyfield Court's first centenarian this week.

A telegram from the Queen and morning of celebrations marked Julia's milestone, the first in the residential home's 14 year history.

Julia's life has seen her live and work in London, Essex, Dorset, and, finally Sidmouth, where she moved with late husband George in the early 1980's.

A keen bowler, Julia, who along with George was a member of the town's bowling club, was joined by family and fellow Abbeyfield residents to mark her special day on Monday.

Grand-daughter Susan and son-in-law Peter enjoyed the festivities.

"She (Julia) had a super day and really enjoyed it," said Peter. "We had a very good lunch and all the other guests said it was splendid. Abbeyfield put on a very good show for us.