A WOMAN who was born just 24 days before the end of the First World War has just celebrated her 100th birthday in style.

Gladys Welsh, from Trowbridge Road, Bradford on Avon, received cards from HM The Queen and the town’s mayor, Cllr Alex Kay.

She also received a celebratory telegram from Esther McVey MP, the Department of Work and Pensions Secretary, wishing her well.

The cards and telegram were among more than 50 greetings from family, friends and well-wishers.

Gladys (nee Phelps) was born on October 19 1918 at Warminster Hospital to Laura and George Phelps, of Bradford on Avon.

She was brought up as part of a family of six, including brothers Herbert and John and sisters Kate, Peg and Floss.

Mrs Welsh was educated at Newtown School until the age of 12 and then left to work at the Nestle factory in Staverton.

“I went to work at the age of 13, making tins and packing parcels for the forces abroad,” she said.

Gladys stayed there until she married Tom Welsh at Holy Trinity Church in 1948. The couple had one daughter, Anne Banks-Welsh, with whom Gladys now lives.

Tom died 20 years ago and Gladys now has two grandchildren, Rosie and Isobel, and is still very active.

She attends the Bradford on Avon Leg Club on Mondays at St Margaret’s Hall, and the Thursday Lunch Club at the local Community Centre in Frome Road.

Mrs Banks-Welsh said: “I bought mum a walking stick but she won’t use it. She prefers to hold onto my arm.”

Mrs Welsh has recently featured in a film commissioned by the BoA Women’s 100 Group to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Suffragettes winning the right to vote.