Lifelong Trowbridge resident Kathleen Lawrence says her faith has helped to give her the strength needed to reach her 100th birthday.

Mrs Lawrence celebrated the milestone on Monday with other members of the Honeypot day club at St John’s Church Hall, Upper Studley.

The centenarian had a surprise visit from Trowbridge mayor Nick Blakemore and town crier Trevor Heeks, who joined her son Harry Lawrence and his daughter, Kath, who came from New Zealand for the occasion.

The former factory worker spent most of her working life at cloth maker Salters, mattress maker Chapmans, and at The Avon, Melksham, where she made gas masks.

Later she worked in Westbury, packing parcels to send to troops, until she took up her last post with Age Concern as a carer.

Born in North Bradley in 1911 and the youngest of eight children, Mrs Lawrence endured difficult times when her first husband, Hans Kynman, whom she married in 1933, became a prisoner of war during the Second World War.

They had two children and she now has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

After Mr Kynman’s death , Mrs Lawrence, nee Webb, met and married Pastor Albert Lawrence in July 1994. He died just three months later.

Mrs Lawrence, who attends North Bradley Baptist Chapel every Sunday, said: “I want to thank everyone who has supported me for my 100th birthday. I shall say a prayer for everyone to thank them for their kind support.”

Niece Margaret Thorne said: “Her faith is very important to her. She will tell anyone that she totally relies on the Lord to grant her the strength she needs to manage each day and constantly thanks him for being with her.

“Kath is a very special person, who I know is a friend to many but is also loved very much by all her family.”

Her son endured a 27-hour flight from Auckland for the week-long visit, and said: “This is a wonderful occasion for us and we wouldn’t miss it for the world. She has had a great time and already has been to four parties, but when you reach 100 you definitely deserve a big celebration.”

Cllr Blakemore said: “It is marvellous to be able to join in with the celebrations for a remarkable lady. Kath’s faith has sustained her over the years and has helped get her through life, which is very admirable.”

At Monday’s party Mrs Lawrence showed off a birthday card from the Queen.

Sue Vale, organiser of the Honeypot club, said: “The club has been running for over 30 years and she is one of our longest serving members, so she means a lot to us.

“She always comes beautifully dressed and with a smile on her face.”