WHEN Hilda Ratcliffe was born in 1908, Radcliffe was filled with cotton mills and green fields.

And she reflected on the many changes in her home town as she celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday.

Hilda, who lives at Abbeyfield House in Turks Road, said: “When I was younger, the town was full of cotton mills, but they have all gone now. There aren’t many fields either because they have all been covered with houses.

“Although Radcliffe was a manufacturing town, the surroundings were rural and it’s a shame that the fields have all gone.”

Hilda was born in Albion Street and attended St Thomas’ Primary School in Radcliffe. Her family moved to Bolton Road, where she remained until she married her husband, James.

Hilda worked as a dress-maker for many years and had one son, James Alan, and a granddaughter.

James died in 1996 and Hilda moved into Abbeyfield House for six years.

She spent a further six years living at Abbeyfield House in Bolton Road, Bury, before returning to the home in Radcliffe.

Hilda celebrated her birthday with a party on Monday, which was attended by friends and family, as well as the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Peter Ashworth., one of the highlights being a card from the Queen.

Hilda said: “It was a lovely party and lots of people came to see me. There wasn’t a dull moment.

“It has been a bit overwhelming really. Everyone has been very kind.”