A BARRY woman has a "wonderful day" celebrating turning 100 years old.

Vera Harvey – born Vera Williams on August 10, 1922 – celebrated a century of life earlier this week.

Born in Barry, Ms Williams spent 96 years living in the coastal town, before she moved to Ty Dewi Sant residential home in Penarth four years ago.

While in Barry she'd lived with her parents on Cross Street until she found love with Frank Harvey.

The couple were married in 1952 and moved to Bron Awelon, where they spent 30 years together. Mr Harvey died in 1982.

Penarth Times:

Vera and Frank Harvey on their wedding day

Ms Harvey says their life together in their Barry home was "paradise" and she stayed there, tending the garden and house, up until moving to Ty Dewi Sant.

Ms Harvey was 17 years old when World War Two broke out. During the war she worked with South Wales Police as a uniformed clerk in the firearms and aliens department.

Penarth Times:

Vera Harvey (bottom left) was one of the civilian clerks working for Glamorgan Constabulary throughout the war

Following this, Ms Harvey went on to work for the pharmaceutical department of the University of Wales in Cardiff.

She has a keen interest in current affairs and politics, proudly calling herself a ‘Conservative Royalist’.

Ms Harvey celebrated her 100th birthday at Ty Dewi Dant in Penarth on Wednesday, August 10, with a buffet lunch, music, and other entertainment.

Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Cllr Susan Lloyd-Selby, joined the festivities - gifting a bouquet of flowers - along with Ms Harvey’s loved ones and care home staff.

Penarth Times:

Cllr Susan Lloyd-Selby presents Vera Harvey with flowers on her 100th birthday

Ms Harvey’s cousin, Sam Coombs, said: “The staff at Ty Dewi Sant residential home put in work to make sure Vera had a wonderful day.

“There was a special cake, lots of decorations, and entertainment throughout the afternoon; they’re all amazing.

"Vera is so well thought of in the home; the manager, Dawn Curtis, recently said that Vera is an inspiration to them all."