A Norwich community was united in celebration yesterday as its sheltered housing estate marked its 21st birthday.

Dozens of people from Fellowes Close, West Earlham, gathered to witness their two longest-serving residents cut a cake specially made for the occasion.

Maud Collier, 98, and Edith Massen, 92, were chosen to kick-off the party after moving on to the close when the bungalows were first built in 1990.

Meanwhile, a guest speaker, a special lunch and entertainment with singer Lez Emery provided the rest of the day's entertainment in the main meeting room on the close.

Mrs Collier, who has lived in Norwich since she was 17 and used to work in the Stewart and Pattersons Brewery before she had her first child, said that everything on the day was lovely and she especially enjoyed the singing.

She said: 'When I first moved into the home it was beautiful and I have enjoyed my time here ever since.

'I have lovely neighbours and I even had a special party when I was 90 where I got the chance to meet the Lord Mayor of Norwich.'

The sheltered housing is run by Norwich City Council, which looks after five married couples and 45 residents on the estate.

Pat Read has been the sheltered housing scheme manager for four years and works closely on a day-to-day basis with the people who live there.

She said: 'They are such a happy community who really look out for each other.

'We have a 40 bungalows here and many of the residents take part in arranging the social events together including karaoke or trips out.

'They really are such a happy group.'

Do you have a story about something happening in your community? Contact reporter Ben Woods on 01603 772439 or email ben.woods@archant.co.uk