A BARRY woman has celebrated turning 100.

Barbara (Babs) Dare celebrated turning 100 on Wednesday, February 2, with a party at her Barry bungalow organised by her great nieces Bronwen and Kate.

She marked her century on Earth with her “nearest and dearest” enjoying some food – including handmade cupcakes – drinks and balloons.

Ms Dare is originally from Barry, with some of her family living in Tenby in West Wales; she has lived in the Coldbrook area for most of her life.

She’s had an eventful 100 years – she began working, caring for some elderly sisters, when she was just 11 years old.

During World War Two she was a Wren (part of the Women’s Royal Naval Service) in the RAF and was stationed at St Athan.

Her husband was managing director at Dunlop Rubber Company - they bought their first house in Coldbrook and she has lived there ever since.

When she lost her first husband, who had MS, she did not remarry but later in life met Ted, who shared her love of dancing and travelling abroad. They lived together in the bungalow until he passed away in 2016.

Ms Dare will be a familiar face to many Barry residents - she worked at The Mind Shop on Main Street in Cadoxton until her mid-90s.

Her great niece, Bronwen Matthews, said: “She is the most independent lady I have ever known – bubbly and lovely, but she doesn’t suffer fools.

“Even though she is 100 she still drives herself about and has a very active lifestyle – she is my role model and I hope to live with the same morals and kindness.

“She is a truly wonderful woman and a tough cookie.”