FAMILY members came from as far as Scotland and East Anglia to mark a very special birthday of a Prestwich resident.

Bridget Lees celebrated her 100th birthday with a get-together at her home in Harrogate Avenue, Sedgley, and the guest of honour was beaming after receiving a telegram from the Queen.

Mrs Lees, who attends services at Our Lady of Dolours RC Church in Salford, is a big fan of needlework and loves all things from her native Scotland.

Her daughter, Elizabeth Jones, said: "She had a really good day. Her relatives from Scotland brought her some traditional shortbread and some Scotch Whisky, which she absolutely loved.

"My mum also had a really special cake and loved everyone making a fuss of her."

Mrs Lees worked in an Armed Services unit canteen in Manchester during World War Two.

Mrs Jones said: "The way my parents tell it — my dad, George, who was in the RAF, walked in one day, took one look at my mum and told his friends 'that girl behind the counter, I'm going to marry her'. And he did."

After the end of the war, the pair moved to Oldham and Mrs Lees, who is now a widow, relocated to Sedgley 14 years ago, moving in with her daughter.

Before retiring, Mrs Lees worked as a needlework teacher in Oldham and is still a big fan of needlecraft and dressmaking.

She also loves to read and to listen to music.

"She is very popular. So many of the neighbours were calling into wish her well at the party. It was lovely to see," said Mrs Jones.