Gym’ll fix it for Lily’s 100th birthday

SUPER-GRAN . . . Lily Lamb celebrates her 100th birthday with friends at Oldham Sports Centre

LILY Lamb likes nothing better than hitting the gym and working up a sweat — and that’s exactly how she chose to celebrate her 100th birthday.

The great-great-grandmother is a regular at Oldham Sports Centre, where she takes part in classes run by Age Concern and Oldham Community Leisure to help the elderly feel safer and more confident in their own homes.

The Next Steps programme follows on from a falls-prevention course and is designed to increase pensioners’ flexibility and mobility following a fall or major operation.

Lily swears by her twice-weekly work-outs and believes they are the key to keeping her feeling young and fit.

She said: “I absolutely love these classes and I have made lots of friends. I look forward to coming to the sports centre every week and I would never miss a session.

“My top tip for reaching 100 is to keep moving and stay active. I eat a balanced diet and enjoy a regular tot of sherry.”

Lily, who used to work as a weaver at Stotts Mill in Werneth, celebrated her landmark birthday with a family party attended by daughter Eileen, who flew in from New Zealand, sons Harold Alan, who came over from Spain, and Jack, who lives in St Anne’s.

The sprightly centenarian also has eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

Steve Eyre, from OCL, said: “Lily is a shining example of how a moderate amount of exercise can lead to a more healthy lifestyle. Everyone at OCL thinks Lily is marvellous and wishes her all the best for the future.”