Centenarian meets great-great-granddaughter at Dene Holm Residential Care Home in Northfleet

It was a meeting which spanned five generations – the moment Gwen Smith met her first great-great-granddaughter.

Family joined 100-year-old Gwen at her home in Dene Holm Residential Care Home in Northfleet, where she was introduced to baby Maeva who is the first girl to be born in the family for 75 years.

In an incredibly special moment for the family, the great-great-grandmother was able to hold Maeva for the first time.

Gwen’s family said: "It was a very special occasion to get all five generations together, particularly during the pandemic.

"Strict protocols are still in place but the home’s manager, Chris, permitted the visit for which we are all extremely grateful."

The care home resident, who will turn 101 next month, already has five grandsons, eight great-grandsons and six step great-grandsons and was extremely proud to meet the newest addition to the family.

Unfortunately, her cataracts mean she can no longer see very well but she was still tremendously happy to meet the little one.

Moving to Gravesend as a youngster, Gwen was a keen dancer and performed at many local events while working at her father's shop.

She met her husband, Ron, aged 16 and they later married in 1940 but he was then sent to serve overseas with the Royal Engineers and the pair did not meet again for another five years.

When they finally re-united, they enjoyed many years of travelling while bringing up their two daughters, Gloria and Sandra, who was the last girl to be born in the family 75 years ago.