More than a dozen relatives and friends, from young children to pensioners, were on hand to celebrate the start of Dorothy Melnyczuk's 10th decade – all of which have been spent in Millfield.

Mrs Melnyczuk, who has three daughters, one son, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, held the party in one of her favourite haunts as a child.

She said: "We used to spend all our holidays in this park, but it is not the same now.

"I have seen so many changes around this area in the 90 years I have lived here.

"The people who live here are so nice and kind, but it is so different than it was when I was growing up."

The nonagenarian was even visited by Peterborough's longest serving city councillor, Charles Swift, who represents the area, on her birthday, which was on Sunday, August 10.

She said: "It is wonderful to see so many people here, as we don't meet up as a whole family that often."