A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER from Alvechurch was invited back to Cadbury's chocolate factory, where she worked for nearly 50 years, to be honoured for her decades of service.

Gladys Banks, age 97, took a VIP tour of her former workplace in Bournville, where she was given free samples and shown her old work records, before being presented with a chocolate teapot by factory manager Gerrard Butler.

Zoe Hughes, activities co-ordinator at Grosvenor House care home, where Gladys is a resident, said: "It was a lovely day and Gladys was treated like the queen of Cadbury's.

"All the staff came to meet her as she arrived and curtseyed as she went past and she was given her bodyweight in free chocolate.

"She watched some of the staff making the same chocolate that she used to make and was presented with a teapot plaque in recognition of her years of service."

Mother-of-three Gladys worked at the factory until she retired, and her daughter Pam worked there for some time as a secretary.

Gladys told the Advertiser: "I did every kind of shift - evenings, afternoons and mornings - and if I could find someone to have the children I used to work overtime too.

"I had quite a number of friends there and we would go on holiday together. I was very happy there.

"I could do mostly anything - filling, belt work and using the machines.

"I was so thrilled when they gave me my teapot."

The trip was organised by Grosvenor House, based in Aqueduct Lane, as part of its work towards a gold standard framework of care for its residents.