A DELICIOUS gift was handed to a care home resident as she reached a major milestone birthday.

Wilkin & Sons jam company in Tiptree gave a special gift to Phyllis Blackett as she celebrated her 104th birthday.

The jam company gifted her a selection of preserves and marmalade to mark the occasion, with marketing manager Liz Baker visiting her too.

Liz said: “We spotted on social media Phyllis was celebrating a special birthday and wanted to send our best wishes.

“It was an honour to meet Phyllis, we are glad she had such a wonderful 104th birthday.”

Phyllis was born in 1918 in Long Melford but lived in Chelmsford after marrying her beloved husband Reg.

She previously worked as a cook and then became a teacher.

During her long life she has enjoyed travel, knitting and cooking and she used to enjoy walking the family dog every evening.

Today, Phyllis is still active, enjoying dancing, singing, playing a variety of games and even enjoys a glass of wine with her lunch every day.

She is also a sociable family member at Willowmead Care Home in Hatfield Peverel and celebrated her birthday with her friends as well as Chelmsford mayor Jude Deakin.

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Phyllis enjoyed her celebrations and was thankful for the gift, saying: “What a fabulous birthday I have had.

“My secret to longevity is eating good food and being happy every day.

“It was kind of Tiptree to give me a present. I shall enjoy tasting all the different jams and marmalades.”

Adrian Pancott, chief executive of Gold Care Homes, said: “Phyllis is an amazing lady and it is fantastic that companies within the community have been part of her special birthday celebrations.

“Thank you to everyone for making it super special.”

As well as the jams, Phyllis enjoyed a hairdressing and nail pampering session, a special birthday party and a pantomime performance from TickledPinkProduction among others.

She will be also be enjoying a magical virtual tour of France with the company Heygo next week.