A 100-year-old celebrated her birthday by leaving her flat for the first time in three years.
The friends and family of Alice Gnosa threw a party for the centenarian in the lounge area of her sheltered housing complex in Harold Wood recently.
Alice’s friend, Marion Noble said: “She used to love going down stairs and having a chat with her neighbours, but over the past few years she hasn’t been able to leave her flat.
“We managed to get her out for the day she had lots of fun.”
Born in London, Alice worked as an embroiderist for the Queen’s dressmaker Sir Norman Hartnell from 17 to aged 65.
She moved to Havering in the 1940s.
She has been living at the sheltered housing complex for more than 20 years.
Marion said: “She is a lovely lady.
“She really enjoyed the day and was happy with her card from the Queen, which she said that she was going to frame.”
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