Special birthday 'choc-a-block' with surprises

THEY say a little bit of what you fancy does you good, and self-confessed chocoholic Mary Sherwood is living proof.

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

She doesn’t drink or smoke, but newly turned centenarian Mary admits she’s just cocoa-nutty about chocolate. So it was fitting that, as part of her 100th birthday party, Mary was treated to a celebratory chocolate cake and a box of posh chocs from her grandsons.

Staff at Stainton Care Home pulled out all the stops for the much-loved resident, inviting a singer and children from local primary schools to help mark the milestone day.

Five days before her birthday, a request was posted on Facebook, asking people to help Mary celebrate, which garnered a “wonderful” response.

More than 200 cards were sent to the home in Hemlington with staff admitting it took them all day to open them. Balloons and banners were donated, while a staff member at the sister home Stainton Lodge provided a huge balloon arch for the occasion.