Ludlow woman celebrates 100th birthday with surprise Shetland pony visit

A Ludlow woman celebrating her 100th birthday was surprised with a visit from a Shetland pony that brought back memories of riding to school as a child.

Linda Bufton marked the milestone with family, friends and fellow residents at Churchill House care home, where Crumpet the pony made a special appearance during an afternoon tea celebration.

The visit was particularly meaningful for Linda, who grew up on a farm at Pen-y-Bont in Wales and rode a white pony to school because the journey was too far to walk.

Born on Trevel Farm in 1926, Linda was the youngest of 14 children. She left school at the age of 14 during the Second World War to work as a dairy maid before later becoming a housekeeper.

Throughout her life, Linda has had a passion for animals and the countryside, interests she still enjoys today by spending time in the gardens at Churchill House watching the birds and wildlife.

A proud royalist, Linda was also delighted to receive a 100th birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which took pride of place among her birthday celebrations.

Reflecting on the occasion, Linda said: "I feel very lucky to have reached 100 and to have been able to celebrate with so many wonderful people around me. The pony was such a lovely surprise. It brought back so many memories and made my birthday even more special."

Home manager Selina Broome said: "It was wonderful to see Linda surrounded by her family and friends as she celebrated this incredible milestone.

"She has a fantastic sense of humour and enjoys spending time with everyone at the home. We were delighted to help make her birthday such a memorable occasion."

Churchill House in Ludlow provides residential, respite, nursing, dementia and palliative care.