A GWENT woman thought to be the oldest carer in the Britain celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

Sprightly former nurse Lucy Hopkins, from Meadow Rise, Portskewett, still manages to take care of her 67-year-old son Paul who has Down's syndrome, whom she has looked after all her life.

She said: "The only thing I miss is being able to get out and about, which I haven't done for about 12 months. But I can't complain about anything, I have a wonderful nephew and his wife who are a Godsend, and lots of family and friends.

"I have a lovely lady who does my cleaning, and I get lots of visitors because I love to sit and chat, because I love people."

Asked why she thought she had lived so long she replied: "I think it's because I had such a happy childhood. I was one of nine children and I was very close to all my brothers and sisters, but now I'm the last one alive."

Mrs Hopkins was born and brought up in the Portskewett Hotel which her parents George and Elizabeth Sheppard used to own.

She left Wales to train as a nurse at the King Edward VII Hospital in Windsor, but returned home and worked at GPs' surgeries in the Newport and Portskewett areas.

Eleanor Sheppard, 71, also from Meadow Rise, who is married to Mrs Hopkins' nephew Robin, said: "She is a truly remarkable, courageous and caring woman.

"She has always been marvellous towards Paul and I think she must be the oldest carer in the country.

"She still cooks his meals for him and makes sure he is okay."

Mrs Sheppard said Mrs Hopkins had been looking forward to her big day and celebrating the occasion with her family and friends at home on Sunday with some champagne and cake.

Mrs Sheppard added: "When her father registered her birth he was a bit under the weather and got the day wrong. (Her birthday is September 15)

"She said she is not too impressed with getting a telegram from the Queen because she said she doesn't even know her!"

But Mrs Hopkins was delighted to receive more than 100 cards and several bouquets to mark her special day, including one from her doctors' surgery.

* Lucy Hopkins celebrates her 100th birthday with her son Paul