AN evergreen 100-year old stepped out of a vintage car and on to the red carpet at a special celebration in honour of her centenary.

Millie Hopkins, of Walton, celebrated the magnificent milestone with her family, unaware that a big surprise lay in store.

On Thursday, she was picked up from her home at Blenheim House care home in a vintage 1930s Austin, which headed along Walton High Street and into Vicarage Lane.

It dropped Millie at the door of Walton Royal British Legion, where the red carpet had been rolled out to lead her into a party packed with friends and family.

She gave a wave as she arrived and had a little dance as she got into the club to a loud chorus of “Happy Birthday to You”.

Millie has been married three times – the last time to Ronnie Hopkins, whom she met on holiday when she was 91.

He died a few months after they tied the knot.

Born in Wales, she left home as a teenager and gradually moved towards Essex.

Millie has lived in Tendring for almost a decade now and was still taking care of herself in sheltered housing just two years ago.

She joined the Royal British Legion branch when she moved to the area and visited the club every week.

Fellow members decided to throw the spectacular bash in her honour so she could celebrate her 100th birthday in style on May 12.

Branch secretary Alec Smith said: “We all decided she is just an unbelievable lady and deserved the very best."