A SEATON centenarian has celebrated her birthday in Singapore – having tea with the British High Commissioner. Barbara Starr of Seaton enjoyed a round the world trip with her daughters and son-in-law and stopped off at the island city state on her way

A SEATON centenarian has celebrated her birthday in Singapore - having tea with the British High Commissioner.

Barbara Starr of Seaton enjoyed a round the world trip with her daughters and son-in-law and stopped off at the island city state on her way home.

But when High Commissioner Paul Madden, who comes from Ottery St Mary, heard about her visit, he invited her to his historic residence in Eden Hall on March 31.

Mrs Starr said: "What a treat to be eating a Devonshire cream tea on the other side of the world. It's a lovely way to spend my 100th birthday".

Mr Madden, who attended the Marist Convent and The King's School in Ottery before graduating from Cambridge University, has been a diplomat for 25 years.

He said "My wife Sarah and I were delighted to help Mrs Starr celebrate her centenary. It's always a pleasure to see visitors from East Devon where I grew up.

"During my three years in Singapore we've helped many Devonians, including local business people looking to export to this fast growing part of the world and climate change experts from the Met Office in Exeter.