FRIENDS of Elizabeth Thompson gathered at The Holly Bush Inn in Little Leigh to wish her all the best on her 100th birthday.

The celebrations were organised by Elizabeth’s long-time friend Sandra Perrin, and included a meal and the presentation of flowers and presents.

“We all sang Happy Birthday to Betty, and enjoyed a lovely meal together,” said Sandra, from Emmett Street, Barnton.

Elizabeth was born on October 11, 1914, in Manchester Road, Lostock Gralam, and worked in domestic service for eight years.

During this period she courted Wilson Thompson, and the couple married in 1939, the year The Second World War began, and moved to Princes Park in Barnton.

Wilson served in the war, and was killed in Burma in 1940.

Elizabeth joined ICI, where she worked for many years until she retired, and for the past 27 years has lived at sheltered accommodation in Broomsfield Lane, Barnton.

“I met Betty about 25 years ago while playing bingo at Barnton Football Club, which she loved to do,” said Sandra, a retired administrator.

“I offered to give her a lift home, which I did for about 20 years, until she stopped going. We used to sit at the same table at the bingo – and we just clicked.

“We have also asked Betty over to ours on Christmas Day, and if she cannot get here we take Christmas dinner over to her home.

“I have done her hair for many years, and we are very close and get on so well. She is like a member of our family.

“I knew Betty would like a little party, and I made her a cake to celebrate her 100th birthday - she was thrilled to bits with it, and was also delighted with her telegram from The Queen.”

Sandra said Elizabeth likes to knit and is an avid reader, and among the friends who shared in the celebrations at The Holly Bush were Elizabeth’s neighbours at the sheltered accommodation.