Two neighbours born days apart celebrated their 100th birthdays last week.

Dame Marion Kettlewell, who worked for the Women’s Royal Naval Service and was a vice-president of its Benevolent Trust, had a joint party with Violet Dittman.

The pair have been neighbours at Anchor’s Norton House residential care home in Pimlico for the last five years.

Dame Marion, who was born in Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, said: “I have had a long, busy and adventurous life but now I need to take things easy.”

Mrs Ditmman was born in London but spent most of her life and completed her schooling in Berlin. She worked as a nanny before retirement.

“My most positive memories are my wedding day and the day I first met my husband. I met him in London, he was in the Royal Army and used to travel around the world with the Queen Mother,” she said.

The friends remain active with keep fit sessions twice a week at the care home, as well as quizzes and birdwatching.