A WOMAN from Audlem has reached a special milestone after she celebrated her 100th birthday this month.

Irene Morris, a former resident of Wrenbury, Nantwich, Bickerton and Threapwood, celebrated her century on January 6 with a party at Corbrook Park care home, Audlem.

Surrounded by cards – including the traditional one from the Queen – cake and toasts, Irene was joined by friends and family, including Irene’s son John and eldest stepson Richard, with her other stepson Charles unable to attend because of illness.

Irene and her late identical twin Elsie were junior gymnastic and swimming champions in Liverpool, where they were born and raised.

After serving in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War, Irene married Threapwood farmer Harry Pickering.

Irene puts her long life down to a healthy lifestyle, saying: “I did not drink or smoke, so that must have helped."

Her husband David, himself 98, and a former partner at Nantwich accountancy firm Lyon Griffiths, added: “She is a very strong person physically. Her father took her to the gym twice a week as a youngster.”

After the death of their first partners, Irene and David were married in 1968, and two years ago celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.