A MUCH-LOVED Carlisle woman celebrated her centenary birthday with those who love her most.

Mary (Maimie) Twentyman turned 100 on Monday, with everyone descending on Kingston Court Care Home, to toast her life so far

Now a resident at the Newtown Road care home, Maimie received more than 170 cards from family and wellwishers.

The cards received included one from the Queen and one from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey.

A big chunk of the cards received came from the 'postcards of kindness' scheme, a drive that encourages people from across the world to send postcards to those who may be lonely.

Originally started as 'postcards of kindness', it has now extended to birthday cards.

She received cards from places as far as Japan, Canada, California and Amsterdam.

Due to her dementia, Maimie is unable to speak, but the love shown by her family spoke volumes.

Maimie was born at White Keld near Workington, before moving to Westnewton where she went to school.

Later in life she met her soon-to-be husband Fred Twentyman, who both moved to Midtown Farm, Hayton, Aspatria.

Fred died in 2001, aged 80.

Carol, 60, who was adopted by Maimie when she was two, along with her twin Christine Wood, said:

"She has been a fantastic mum. She used to make all our dresses - Christine and I growing up.

"Up to a certain age me and Christine were always wearing the same, nobody could tell between us who was who."

For Carol, her appreciation for her mum is immeasurable.

"She means the world, nothing can really put into words how I feel about her.

"She is my mam and always will be."

Christine said: "I followed mum through Women's Institute, we did a lot together with that.

"She was secretary, president and treasurer.

"We have lots of memories really."

Grandson Andrew, 32, who lives in the Raffles area of Carlisle, also has fond memories of Maimie.

"She's been spot on, one of the best. There's nothing you could say bad about her.

"We used to go horse riding."

The birthday celebrations were enjoyed by all.

"They were absolutely superb, fantastic," explained Christine.

Carol added: "Yesterday was lovely, mam had quite a few gifts. She enjoyed it.

"The chef (from the home) did the buffet and a fantastic birthday cake, it was to die for."

Carol Armstrong, registered general nurse at the home, which specialises in dementia care, said: "Dementia is cruel, it strips that person of their memory, thoughts and feelings.

"We overlook that and see the person of now and see how that impacts their journey."