The family of Millie Peters had to think creatively to find a way of celebrating her 100th birthday during the lockdown.

They decided to put notices through the doors of neighbours in Stanmore, where Mrs Peters lives independently, before her big day.

Those living in upper floor properties were asked to lean out of their windows at 3pm to serenade the birthday girl. Those in downstairs accommodation were urged to go their front door.

Family members turned up in force an hour before to decorate the area with streamers, banners, flowers and ribbons.

“We were delighted to see that other people had decided to come,” said Helen Kasin, one of Mrs Peters’ two daughters. “Everyone maintained social distancing.

“At three, she came out and we all sang Happy Birthday. Mum was overwhelmed by it all.

“She thought we were up to something but hadn’t guessed what we were going to do. She thanked everyone for coming and said she never thought she’d get to be 100.”

As well as her card from the Queen, the great-grandmother also received birthday greetings from her rabbi, Mendel Lew, of Stanmore shul.

Mrs Kasin added that her mother was “totally on the ball”, knowing everything about her neighbours — “names, work, schools”.