A York woman has celebrated her 100th birthday with a royal party - and a cut-out of King Charles.

Shelia Bendig, of Connaught Court care home, York, turned 100 earlier this month and marked the occasion with a party – complete with a letter from King Charles and a cardboard cut-out of the monarch.

Born in Bradford on August 2, 1924, Shelia was the eldest daughter of Tom and Mary Busfield and was educated at Woodroyd Road Infant School and then Bolling Girls Grammar School.

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As a child and prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, Shelia had a French pen pal with whom she shared a close relationship. The pen pal even visited England, but unfortunately had to return to France after three days as the war was imminent.

As she grew older, Shelia took a job as a secretary in an insurance company – learning skills that would go on to help her in her future career. She met her first husband and was married in 1948 with the couple having two daughters - Kathryn and Jane.

Sheila later returned to full-time work as a school secretary, working at various schools in Bradford over the course of her career. She later remarried in 2002 to Maurice Bendig, a magistrate, with the couple spending 21 happy years together.

Sheila moved into Connaught Court two years ago and is one of the seven centenarians living at the home. She enjoyed a birthday celebration with friends and family, where she received gifts, flowers, balloons, chocolates and a card from the King and Queen.

RMBI Care Co. Home Connaught Court resident Sheila Bendig celebrates her 100th birthday with her daughters Kathryn Trounson and Jane Beale, Assistant Home Manager Kris Kirk and Home Manager Marinda Aydinalp. Sheila Bendig, a resident at Connaught Court care home, celebrates her 100th birthday with her daughters Kathryn Trounson and Jane Beale. Also pictured are assistant home manager Kris Kirk and home manager Marinda Aydinalp

During the day, she had an afternoon tea with a cake and a drop of sherry in the company of her loved ones.

On her secret to living a long life and advice she’d give to the younger generations, Shelia said: “I always say, whatever age you are, you have a choice, so you have to do the right thing. That’s what I think! And make the most of your time here!” 

Fran Tagg, activities coordinator, said: “Sheila has had such a full life and loves her family so much. She hasn’t got time to age!”

RMBI Care Co Home Connaught Court, in York, is run by RMBI Care Co, part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation. For more information, please visit: http://www.rmbi.org.uk/