IT was double the fun at one Prestwich care home as two centenarian residents celebrated their landmark birthdays.

Heathlands Village resident Ralph Black turned 100 last month and to mark the occasion he was joined by 150 friends and relatives, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; for a special party in the home’s Purple Room ­— complete with a telegram from The Queen.

Full of wit and wisdom Mr Black said: “The most important thing to help you get on in life is to be able to communicate with all kinds of people and have respect for others – particularly older people.”

Still sprightly and youthful, Mr Black added: “If you buy a new car, you get one with a good engine and service it regularly. My engine is made by the master craftsman above, and so I look after it.”

Also celebrating a milestone birthday was fellow Heathlands resident Esther Abrahams who turned 106 last month.

Ms Abrahams was born in Newcastle in 1912, one of five children of émigrés who left the Russian city of Pskov in the 1880s.

A bookkeeper and business manager, Ms Abrahams travelled extensively around Europe, Asia and Canada in her younger days; as well as being a formidable bridge player and lover of tennis ­— particularly Roger Federer.

In recognition of the birthdays both Mr Black and Ms Abrahams were guests of honour at a special celebratory concert given by the Jewish Theatre Choir enjoyed by a 50 strong audience of residents.

After a concert a delightful birthday cake was presented to the two real stars of the show.

The Fed’s Activity Centre Deputy Manager, Jennifer Berger, who organised the choir’s visit and the joint celebration, said “It was simply a wonderful afternoon. To celebrate birthdays of two such amazing residents – and have a full house celebrating and singing with them – is exactly what Heathlands Village is all about.”