A 100th birthday is an occasion to celebrate in the best of times.

During a coronavirus epidemic that has cut a swathe through Europe's elderly and vulnerable, it proved inspirational.

On Wednesday, staff and well-wishers at the Bois de l'Abbaye hospital in eastern Belgium took a moment to salute newly-minted centenarian Julia Dewilde.

The retiree, who was born during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1920, celebrated her birthday at the weekend, four days before a test confirmed her recovery from Covid-19 and she was allowed to return to her retirement home.