MORE than 50 people gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Westbury woman Phyllis Aldridge at the Garden House Hotel.

Friends and relatives came from the local area and as far afield as Malaga, Newcastle and Shrewsbury to join the celebrations.

Her great-niece Jane Tress and great-nephew James Bowman each proposed a toast to her health, while paying tribute to her kindness and positive and optimistic outlook.

Guests joined in impromptu renditions of the hits of 1911, including Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Oh! You Beautiful Doll, and Any Old Iron.

Mrs Aldridge said: “Although I am now alone, I find consolation in my memories of so many happy years, my loving parents and dear Denis, and my friends and family, who continue to give me their love and help at all times and can even make an old lady still feel part of this wonderful world.”

Mr Bowman said: “Phyllis and her husband have been good Samaritans to so many people. It’s not surprising that so many people came to wish her well. She enjoyed getting her card from the Queen.”

Mrs Aldridge, who lives in Gloucester Walk, was born in Manor Park, East London, and went on to serve in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS).

She married Denis, who ran an advertising firm, in 1946 and they lived for many years in Tolworth, Surbiton and Bookham, before moving to Westbury in 1990.