A SOUTHEND centenarian was delighted to be among the first in the country to receive a birthday card from King Charles III.

Kitty Stern, who has lived in Southend for 26 years, was this week delivered a special birthday card from the new King and Queen Consort, sending their “sincerest congratulations and warmest good wishes on such a special occasion.”

Born, September 18, 1922, Kitty Stern says the card has marked a wonderful month-long celebration of her birthday.

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“I was so pleased to receive the card on Shabbos by special delivery from the King Charles and Queen’s Consort, signed Charles R and Camilla R,” she said.

Kitty’s birthday celebrations began a month ago with family, fellow members and volunteers at the Jewish Care community centre in Cobham Road, with an entertainer playing her favourite music and a tea.

A week after her birthday, Kitty, who has eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, was surprised to receive a visit from the Lord Lieutenant of Essex and mayor of Southend, who presented Kitty with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a birthday card.

“Everyone has made me so happy,” Ms Stern said.

“Everything about the party was marvellous, the food and entertainment were fantastic, and it’s all been wonderful. I never expected all of this.”

Emma Anderson, Jewish Care Southend and Westcliff Centre coordinator said: “Kitty has a great character, she’s full of life, is so friendly and is always chatting to everyone. Kitty and her husband volunteered at the local hospital for many years and she will always happily help others.

“She’s incredibly independent for a person of her age. She is always immaculately dressed and the centre staff and volunteers have given her the nickname the queen of the party because she always join in celebrations.”

Ms Stern was born at Mother Levy’s Home, Stepney, London but moved to Southend in 1996.

She joined the Land Army during World War II, for which she received a medal, a fear she labels ““one of my proudest lifetime achievements”.

She says her wish is to “try and make the world a better place and bring my family together” and her secret to long life is “saying my prayers and asking for peace on earth”.