A COMMUNITY stalwart has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Retired teacher Florence Wright, marked the occasion with a party for friends and family at Cravenside Home for Older People in Barnoldswick.

Mrs Wright, the daughter of plumber Ebor Smith, was brought up in Earby and wrote a book entitled Picking Sticks with Stockings about her childhood in the town.

She received a birthday card from the Queen.

Friend Jenny Purcell, a Craven ward councillor, said Mrs Wright’s party was a great success.

She said: “Florence always has a smile on her face and she never stops singing.

“She is such a jovial lady and her favourite song is On Ilkla Moor Baht’At.”

During the Second World War, Mrs Wright was a teacher. She started her career in Appletreewick in North Yorkshire and worked in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, New Road in Earby and Gisburn Road in Barnoldswick.

The great-grandmother-of-three attended Mount Zion Baptist Church in Earby and was an active member of the town’s music society.

Mrs Wright, who married Norman, who was in the RAF, in 1941, also has sons Peter and David and four grandchildren.

Peter, a retired environmental health officer, who lives in Helmshore, Rossendale, said: “I think my mum’s secret to a long and healthy life is just basic happiness.

“She has always enjoyed life and she has always eaten well and never been ill. Mum has been abroad several times too.

“The party at Cravenside was brilliant, we had a really good day.”