A florist who used to supply bouquets of flowers to The Queen has celebrated her 102nd birthday.

Irene Piper, who lives at St Andrew's Care Home, in London Road, Headington, Oxford, was handed bunches of flowers and chocolates by friends as she toasted the milestone with a glass of sherry.

Mrs Piper helped run her family’s flower shop in Bayswater, West London.

Later on, they moved to Oxford, setting up another shop in High Street.

Mrs Piper, who was married to Russell but had no children, said she never expected to reach such a grand old age.

She said: “I feel all right, I’m very lucky because I’m in good hands here. I’ve got lots of lovely flowers, ones that last well, and chocolates.”

Recalling her days as a florist she said: “The Queen was very kind to me and my husband.”