A FORMER secretary and hardworking synagogue volunteer marked her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Clarice Stern, a resident of Heathlands Village care home in Prestwich, also received a special card from the Queen congratulating her on the occasion.

The centenarian was born on December 20, 1919, in London, joining siblings Lily and Cyril.

Her parents, born toward the end of the 19th century, moved to the UK from eastern Europe and settled in Manchester.

Mother-of-two Clarice has been at The Fed-run care home since 2017. Daughter Maureen said: "My mum was a very intelligent lady and worked as a secretary for many years. Her most outstanding work was as treasurer for Manchester Reform Synagogue.

“My mother and father both worked hard as volunteers for the synagogue, first in its small building in Cheetham Hill Road – and then in its new building in Jackson's Row in the city centre.

“My parents met in London, and were married in 1939 in Broughton Shul – and the family was completed by myself and my sister Helen, who now lives in Toronto.”

Clarice, a lover of crossword puzzles, was presented with flowers and a card on behalf of The Fed by Director of Clinical Services, Karen Johnson.