An Archway woman joined the exclusive group of local centenarians at the weekend as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Florence Nutkins, 100, who lives in the Cheverton Lodge Nursing Home, in Chevereton Road, reached the milestone on July 17.

Around 40 family and friends attended her birthday party on Sunday, along with John Walter, the Pearly King of Finsbury, Lily York, the Pearly Queen of Smithfield, and the Mayor of Islington, Councillor Phil Kelly, who presented Ms Nutkins with a bouquet of flowers.

Earlier Florence, who grew up in Islington and was one of seven children, received a traditional greeting card from The Queen.

George Nutkins, 91, Florence’s brother who visits every other day, said: “Things have changed so much since we were young, it’s unbelievable. Flo used to work for the Black Cat cigarette company, and she was quite a benefactor to me when I was in the armed forces, in the middle east and so on. I became a bit of a cigarette baron.

“Out of the family, me and Flo were the closest. She was a good sister to me and I have never forgotten it.”