TWO centenarians at a Worcester nursing home have welcomed a third member to their exclusive club.

One hundred-year-olds Margaret Storey and Vera Roberts celebrated their own birthdays last year but on February 17 they raised a glass to the newest member of their group, Ruth Thomas.

All three live at the Lawns Nursing Home in Kempsey and their grand ages are an achievement the ladies and the home are proud of.

The first to reach the milestone was Vera Roberts, whose birthday was on October 7 last year.

Originally from Stretford, Manchester, she worked as a secretary and the home said she has a love for classical music.

Margaret Storey was the next of the three and she celebrated her 100th birthday on December 28.

Nicki Johnston, activity co-ordinator at the home, described her as a glamorous woman.

"She was in the fashion and jewellery trade," she said. "She's still really glamorous, she has her nails done weekly. She picks bright red nail polish and lip stick and she likes to have earring in. She also reads the Daily Mail everyday."

The final member to join the trio was Ruth Thomas.

She was born in Herefordshire but lived much of her life in Kempsey and even worked at the Lawns before it became a care home.

"She's lived in Kempsey most of her life," said Ms Johnston. "Ironically the Lawns used to be a hotel and there was a private swimming pool, which was attached and she ran it for 27 years with her husband.

"She jokes about it now, how she never thought she would end up living here in a care home.

"For her birthday last month she received more than 150 cards. She's such a popular lady and so well known in this area. She had two children and also loves to get her hair and nails done every week.

"It's quite an achievement to reach 100 and to have three is great."