A "remarkable" Alcester resident celebrated her 100th birthday last week, surrounded by friends and family.

More than 40 people, including Mayor Clive-Neal Sturgess and High Bailiff Tim Forman, joined Marjory Gilbert for a party to celebrate the milestone.

Mrs Gilbert was born in Aberdare, South Wales on January 12 1916, her family later moved to Birmingham when she was 11.

As a teenager she started working at Bostons, a cardboard box manufacturing firm based in the city, and later became director.

She worked there for 47 years and kept the business thriving during in the Second World War.

It is believed she met her husband, Dennis, whilst at a dance.
The pair, who were passionate Birmingham City supporters, lived in various part of the country including Bideford in Devon, the Cotswolds, Tanworth-in-Arden and Welford, and would often take excursions together.

The couple had one daughter named Stephanie, who married Peter Nock in 1968 but she sadly died in 1990.

After Dennis’ death, Mrs Gilbert moved to Bidford-on-Avon in Warwickshire and later into a property at Alcester’s Malin Court.

She has since lived at the supportive housing facility for 26 years ago, where she holds the titles of longest serving and oldest resident.

The glamorous centenarian, who is often seen about the town wearing her heels, was an excellent cook, her speciality being a moist welsh fruit cake called a Teisen Lap.

Since Stephanie's death, Mr Knock, who later remarried, remained close to Mrs Gilbert visiting her frequently.

His wife Pamela Knock said: "If you see her you wouldn’t believe her age. She still gets about, she is a remarkable lady- so independent it is unbelievable."

She also had a celebratory lunch with her two nephews Chris and Andrew Pate on Sunday, January 17.