A 102-year-old care home resident has had her "dream come true" after she was swept off her feet by a professional ballroom dancer in honour of her birthday.
Mary Duncan was thrilled to have the chance to perform her favourite ballroom dance, the waltz, with Dave Turner after he made a surprise appearance at Millway House in Weyhill, near Andover, Hampshire, thanks to a special birthday gift that was put together by care home staff.
The great-grandma, who learned to dance at the age of seven, has loved dancing since she was a child and said she was "very happy" to have the chance to dance with Dave for her birthday.
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She said: "I've always been active and have loved dancing from an early age. Dancing the waltz with Dave today was a dream come true and the staff here have made a 102-year-old woman very happy."
Mary was born in South Africa and moved to the UK as a child to go to school, before serving in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War.
Mother to two children, who are now both in their 70s, the keen dancer has seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
And according to Millway House's home manager Claire Lousteau, Mary was "in her element" while dancing with Mr Turner, who is now retired but previously danced competitively in ballroom and Latin American dance for nearly 10 years.
Claire said: "Mary is fabulous. She is extremely popular with everyone here and is still in excellent health. She really was in her element on Saturday, which was wonderful to see.
"Thanks go to Dave and to all the staff here who organised such a special day for Mary."
Mr Turner donned his best outfit to meet with Mary, and staff and other care home residents were encouraged to wear something blue to match the birthday girl's chosen colour scheme on the day.
The residents also celebrated her special day with tea and cake.
Richard Adams, CEO of Sears Healthcare, which manages the home, added: "I'm so happy that Mary's waltzing wish came true for her 102nd birthday ... I'm thrilled to hear that Mary enjoyed her special day."
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