Sprowston care home resident Alma Southgate's 100th birthday

Alma Southgate was born on April 6, 1923, in Woodbastwick and was one of seven children - four boys and three girls.

Alma worked for many years as a female bus conductor and owned a business in Colindeep Lane, Sprowston selling clothes and shoes.

She married Bob, who worked for Anglia TV as head of outside broadcasting, on Boxing Day 1947 in Woodbastwick.

Alma and Bob Southgate on their wedding day, Boxing Day 1947 (Image: Denise Bradley)

More than 120 birthday cards were sent to Alma ahead of her special day - which she celebrated with family, friends, care home staff and residents - with some sent from as far as the USA and New Zealand.

She is the first resident of The Warren, in Sprowston, to have a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Alma said: "It feels brilliant turning 100, it's a wonderful day.

Alma Southgate on her 100th birthday at her 1920s-themed party (Image: Denise Bradley)

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"There are one or two cards that feel really special to me, but I wouldn't want to single out one.

"I'm really touched by the number of cards I've received.

"Being the first to receive a card from King Charles - this feels like a landmark achievement in more ways than one.

Alma with her first car (Image: Denise Bradley)

"The highlight has been seeing everybody - some haven't seen each other in over two years with Covid and things.

"Reading the cards will keep me occupied for a while, and thanking everyone."

Alma's party was kitted out with fancy dress, a speakeasy bar, cake and even a singer belting songs from the era.

Alma Southgate, centre, on her 100th birthday with siblings Peter and Jean, front, and son Michael and niece Carol (Image: Denise Bradley)

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Alma's son Michael added: "Everyone at The Warren has done such a terrific job organising the whole thing and getting 100 cards sent - which took off when it featured in the Evening News.

"It's overwhelming to see cards coming from all over the place - some who don't know her at all.

"It just shows how special she is."

Alma Southgate celebrating her 100th birthday at The Warren Care Home in Norwich with her sister Jean Garrett, right, 93, and her schoolfriend, Nancy Bell, 88 (Image: Denise Bradley)