Ivy grows to be 100

Ivy Watson has reached her century and was congratulated in a card from the Queen

HARD work and staying active has been the key to long life for great-grandmother Ivy Watson who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

Mrs Watson lived and worked in Failsworth all her life before moving to a bungalow in Royton with husband Charles Watson in the early 1960s.

Mr Watson, a foreman electrician for the old North West Electricity Board, died 12 years ago.

But the sprightly centenarian remains staunchly independent thanks to a bit of help from her family and neighbours.

In her younger years, Mrs Watson worked at Failsworth Hat Shop and in grocers around Failsworth before owning and running a corner shop in Ashton Road West, Failsworth, for 10 years.

Once the couple had both retired they enjoyed cruises around Europe and were keen members of the Chadderton Over 60s Club.

Mrs Watson has one son, Malcolm, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren aged 18 and 16.

Malcolm (68), who also lives in Royton, said family members helped her celebrate her birthday at home, and she was also visited by Oldham’s Mayor, Councillor David Jones.

Mr Watson said: “Mum remains very independent and still does a bit of shopping for herself.

“She is quite strong-willed and enjoys reading and watching television, but also has a great circle of neighbours helping her out which is wonderful.”