A SOCIETY dedicated to preserving natural history and heritage has celebrated its centenary with coffee, cakes and a letter from Queen.

The Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society celebrated 100 years on November 8, with a packed house at Caffe Isola in Newport.

The letter from the Queen was read out by president-elect, Matthew Chatfield. She sent 'warm good wishes to all those who will be present as you celebrate this most significant milestone'.

The event was marked by the cutting of an incredibly detailed cake made by Ellie Beaman. The cake was cut by the society's oldest member, Bill Shepard, 98, alongside the youngest member, Natalie Bone, 18.

General secretary Dr Colin Pope said: "We were delighted and very proud to receive the royal letter, which made the evening an even more memorable start to what is set to be an exciting year of activity for our centenary.

"The society has been studying and conserving the Island's wildlife, geology and archaeology for a long time, and we hope to be doing it for at least another 100 years."