FOREST-born Mrs Lilian Withey has celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends at The Elms Nursing Home at Stonehouse.

Mrs Withey, widow of Leslie Withey, was born at Harrow Hill where she lived for most of her life. She had four brothers, Albert, Frank, Tom and Fred, and four sisters, Doris, Alice, Edna and Hilda. Fred is the remaining survivor.

At the age of just 14 Lilian left the Forest to work at Standish Hospital. Afterwards she moved to Exmouth in Devon to join her sister Hilda as a cook in a large private household.

It was here she met her future husband. They married and had two daughter, Jean and Betty.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Mr Withey joined the army after which Lilian returned with her family to live at Harrow Hill. Here she remained until moving to The Elms last year.

Well known locally, Mrs Withey had many hobbies and interests. She was an accomplished needleworker and enjoyed gardening and was also an excellent cook. She joined in many local activities such as Women's Guild, Helping Hands, the chapel, football club and health clinic.

Friends and neighbours joined Mrs Withey for a celebration last week. They included daughter Jean and Betty, grand-daughters Judith, Kerry and Lindsay, grandson Roland and great grandchildren Paul, Kimberley, Rory, Laurel and Ryan.