A TENBURY Wells woman, with long-standing Leominster connections, has just celebrated her 104th birthday.

The life of Martha (Pat) Parker, from Orchard Close, has touched three centuries.

Born in Cumberland on April 10, 1899, she had seven brothers and sisters. Her father, a farmer, moved the family to Warwickshire, and then to Esher, and for many years Pat and her sister Elizabeth ran a teashop near the station at Claygate.

Bombed out of London, the teashop took a direct hit in 1944, and she recalled: "We were flattened, no roof, nothing, and we had to move. We found a cottage at Bircher and opened a wool shop in Leominster High Street, catching the bus to town every day until we retired."

Moving to Berrington Road, Tenbury, and later Orchard Court the two sisters lived happily in retirement until Elizabeth died eight years ago aged 99.

Sprightly, articulate and as bright as a button, Tenbury's 'birthday girl' was delighted with a present of flowers chosen for their perfume because of her blindness.

Asked how life has changed since she was young, she said: "The whole world has changed, but sadly not for the better, but it would be very boring if everyone was the same."

Still able to look after herself - she has never taken medication - Pat puts her longevity down to a good night's sleep, a busy life, laughter and keeping well and happy.

Her remaining nieces arranged a small celebration at Orchard Court. "Life has been very pleasant and good to me, and I was fortunate to find Tenbury Wells. I enjoy it here, the people are friendly and particularly nice."