A woman in Kendal celebrated her 101st birthday with friends and family last week.

Diane Berthe Barber was originally born in Ostend in Belgium on June 24, 1923.

Her story is one that could have ended prematurely on a number of occasions, having been deemed unlikely to survive after arriving in the world three months early.

Diane with her family at her 101st birthday partyDiane with her family at her 101st birthday party (Image: Kendal Care Home)

If that was not enough, Diane battled peritonitis at a young age and lived through the German occupation of her homeland during World War Two.

The conflict did not stop her from pursuing a career in teaching, experiencing the daily train journey to Bruges alongside armed soldiers.

One of her three daughters, Anne Penny, said: "She is a legend! We and the whole family love her so very much. Her long life is a huge testimony to her."

Diane pictured with her three daughtersDiane pictured with her three daughters (Image: Kendal Care Home)

Diane would end up meeting the love of her life - a sailor by the name of Alan - just 24 hours after VE Day, with her future husband docking in Ostend to celebrate the occasion.

Eventually marrying in England, the pair would spend more than 40 happy years with one another until Alan's passing in 1994.

Having made her way from Europe, Diane's story has become intrinsically linked with Kendal, where she currently resides in a care home.

Still smiling after 101 yearsStill smiling after 101 years (Image: Kendal Care Home)

Last year, she celebrated her 100th birthday at Storrs Hall in Windermere with her complete family of daughters and their husbands, six grandchildren, their partners and eight great-grandchildren.

The team at Kendal Care Home ensured that her birthday this time around was just as spectacular, hosting a party in her honour.

A spokesperson from the home said: "Diane's life has been rich with wonderful stories, and her journey is truly inspirational.

"She is an absolute delight to look after, and her warm heart and bright spirit have touched everyone around her.

"Her wonderful family, who shower her with love and joy, is a true testament to the remarkable woman she is.

"Diane's 101 years are filled with countless memories, adventures, and achievements that continue to inspire us all."