TWO donkeys tried their best to upstage the birthday girl Constance 'Nancy' Sterling at a care home in Banbury.

But the VIP of the day was the 102 year old who had a party thrown by staff at Featherton House, in Chapel Square, to mark the special milestone.

Family and friends joined Mrs Sterling for the big day last Thursday, along with two four-legged friends much to the delight of the care home residents.

Mrs Sterling, who was born in Lincolnshire in 1915, used to work in a donkey sanctuary and the care home hoped it would bring back a host of memories.

When asked what the secret to a long and happy life is, she said: "Just keep going."

Featherton House home manager Holly Rose added: "Nancy is a wonderful resident and we were delighted to celebrate her special day in style.

"She is a very popular resident with staff and her fellow residents and it was great to welcome the donkeys to the home, which brought back some nice memories for her, as well as entertained everyone in attendance.

"We are looking forward to hosting further community events and celebrations at Featherton House, and would like to wish Nancy all the very best on her 102nd birthday."

The 23 residents at the Wren Retirement Living care home all enjoyed the donkeys visit and were able to pet the pair as they had a walk through the home.

Party guests enjoyed a celebratory drink and a host of cakes to mark the day, plus the home had decked out the place in balloons and bunting.

Mrs Sterling has two daughters with husband Bob Sterling, who passed away age 94 in 2002. She is now a grandmother of four and great grandmother of seven.

She worked as a homemaker during the Second World War before becoming a magistrates and District Commissioner of the Pony Club.