A GREAT-great Grandma was ‘overwhelmed’ after friends and family threw a surprise socially-distanced party for her 100th birthday today.

Joyce Keen has survived the Second World War and the coronavirus pandemic to reach the milestone and marked it with loved ones at her Risinghurst home of more than 80 years.

A steady stream of guests dropped in throughout the day for tea and cake and a chat, although government guidelines meant only groups of six or less could visit the property at any one time.

With the current lockdown making a special day even more emotional, Mrs Keen admitted she struggled to hold back the tears.

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She said: “I was so overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone.

“I was ecstatic to receive a birthday card from the Queen.

“I've had a brilliant day, it's been absolutely fantastic.”

Born in Fritwell, near Bicester, in 1920, Mrs Keen moved to her current home with her late husband Joe in 1938.

The couple married at Holy Trinity Church in Headington Quarry on New Year’s Day 1941 and remained together until Mr Keen’s death in 1982.

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The Risinghurst resident was a dedicated member of the congregation and was delighted to receive a visit from former vicar Tom Honey today.

Mrs Keen spent her whole career at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington, where she worked in the theatre surgical unit.

She continued to enjoy an active lifestyle until lockdown, with her diary crammed full of social events every week.

On Mondays Mrs Keen would often join friends for lunch at the nearby Ampleforth Arms, before heading to Headington Conservative Club for bingo every Tuesday.

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She is often found at Headington Community Centre on Thursdays and is a passionate baker, who continues to read the Oxford Mail every day.

Mrs Keen marked the milestone with five generations of her family, which includes children Peter and Heather, four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and even three great-great grandchildren.

After groups of friends visited during the day, Mrs Keen will have a smaller get-together with relatives this evening.

The party was organised by her only granddaughter, Nicola Taylor, who she regularly meets for shopping and coffee.

Mrs Taylor said: “I just wanted to do something special, despite everything that’s going on.

“It’s such a milestone and she’s still got a big family and a close net of friends.

“It’s the best we can do and people totally understand we're limited by social distancing.”

The 45-year-old Wheatley resident added: “She’s very active, so this lockdown is very difficult for her.

"She’d normally go to a number of different clubs every week.

“I don’t know how she does it – she just doesn’t stop.”