FAMILY members flocked to a nursing home this week to celebrate their matriarch's special birthday.

Marian Hood on Monday turned 100-years-old.

To mark the important date, her children, sister, seven grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren went to visit her at Thomas Gabriel Nursing Home in Cwmbran.

Son Robert Hood, who lives in Cwmbran, said: "It is wonderful to see so many of the family here today for mum.

"She has been a wonderful mum and grandmother.

"She always puts other people before her.

"You can tell she is enjoying the big date with her big smiles."

The 67-year-old added: "Mum has had a luckily had a long, happy life."

Mrs Hood was born in 1918 in Pontypool and worked in the RAF during the war.

Her husband, Jack, died 10 years ago aged 90.

Mr Hood said: "Mum has been in the nursing home three years now, after moving down from Pontypool.

"She really likes it here and has settled in well.

"The day has been marvellous for all of us."

Mrs Hood was also presented with a birthday card from The Queen.

The 100-year-old joked: "I was expecting this.

"But I was expecting the card to be much bigger."

She added: "I would like to thank my family for being here.

"I cannot work out how I have reached 100."