A retired dressmaker celebrated her 100th birthday with her sons.

Jean Whipp, of Elton Lodge nursing home, Selden Road, Worthing, was presented with her birthday card from the Queen by Adur District Council chairman Liza McKinney.

Her sons, West Sussex county councillor and Adur councillor Brian Whipp, and Brighton sculptor David Whipp, joined her at the nursing home.

Mrs Whipp was born in East London and lived in Brighton for 70 years before moving to Shoreham.

She raised both Brian and David on her own after separating from her husband.

Brian said: "During the war she was bombed out twice in Brighton and, having to find three different homes, settled eventually in Buckingham Road.

"Bringing up children in a one-parent family was tough after the war but she steadfastly worked hard, with her motto being 'As one door closes, another door opens'.

"She worked mostly from home and gained a fine reputation as a ballgown and wedding dressmaker."

The 100-year-old finished her working days at Rentmors clothing factory, based near the Clock Tower in Brighton.

Mrs Whipp, who is recovering from a recent operation for a fractured hip, has seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She met her husband Frank "Sonny" Whipp in Sherry's Ballroom, West Street, Brighton, and they married in 1933.

The couple won a number of dancing trophies, including the Brighton Amateur Championship in 1935.