WEST Somerset centenarian Irene Henry celebrated her 100th birthday with a special friend – one of her Somerset Sight volunteer visitors, Sarah Tazewell.

Irene has led a very active life having worked in a number of different responsible jobs over the years. She has also been a keen golfer playing the sport across the UK and abroad since the 1930s.

Having been so independent all her life, Irene has found sight loss to be very restricting and has greatly valued the support of Sarah and fellow local volunteer visitors Liz Reed since she joined Somerset Sight in 2012.

Irene said: “I had a lovely 100th birthday, family came to visit me and took me out for lunch, I even had cards and photographs from both the Queen and the Prime Minister!

“I love my outings with Sarah as I have no-one else here who can take me out regularly and it is very important to me to go out in the fresh air and feel part of where I live.

“Sarah takes me to the bank, shopping and around the town. On Friday we also went to the local church where they sang Happy Birthday to me which was a wonderful surprise!”

Sarah, who lives in Minehead, has been with Somerset Sight as a volunteer visitor for 12 years.

“The 100 years birthday balloon caused much comment and many congratulations from people we met today, Irene is always so appreciative of her outings, it is a pleasure to take her out,” she said.

Somerset Sight is the independent charity which provides practical support and advice to sight impaired people across Somerset. Mrs Irene Henry celebrated her 100th birthday in February 2016 and is seen here with her

Anyone knows someone with sight loss or who would like help themselves may contact Claire Packwood, the local volunteer co-ordinator, on 01643 708382 to find out more.

Pictured are Irene and Sarah on their 100th birthday trip out around Minehead.