SHE has been at the heart of a Hampshire village for a century – and everyone but the Queen came to celebrate her special day.

Kath Reed celebrated her 100th birthday this week as the great and good of Swanmore came to thank her for a life of service to the community.

Friends say the great-grandmother of two, who worked as a classroom assistant, has been involved in countless clubs and societies in the village where she has lived all her life.

More than 100 well-wishers, from scouts and schoolchildren to priests and local police, popped into a bash at her home last week.

Invited guests included Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eileen Berry, and Queen Elizabeth II – though the latter had to settle for sending a card.

Thirty children from Swanmore College Choir sang Christmas carols and Happy Birthday to mark the occasion.

“It was lovely,” Kath said. “I was so overwhelmed by how many people came.

“I had so many cards. It was a great day.”

She said the community was her “life”, but added that development and an influx of new people have changed the quiet village.

“When I was young,” she said, “everyone knew everyone and they were always willing to help. “Now it’s different – people lead more of their own lives.”

Despite entering her second century Kath said she still loves to socialise and is ready to go again.

“I feel as if I could have another party,” she said. “I thought I ought to do a dance at 100 with my walking frame – that’d make for a good picture!”