ONE hundred years of life in Evesham was celebrated when Doris Emms reached her centenary on Monday.

Doris, a former landworker, who is now a resident at Bengeworth Fields House, celebrated her 100th birthday with friends, staff, and a glass of champagne.

For years she worked on the land for Tony Aldington at Bennetts Hill, near Offenham. Her husband Martin, was also a market gardener.

She then worked for many years as a domestic help for the Harford family of South Littleton. Having no children of her own, the Harford children, and then later their children, became family to her.

In 1992, when she could no longer look after herself at home she moved to Bengeworth Fields House.

"She still grumbles that she has not enough to do," said friend Carolyn Harford, "and despite very poor eyesight, she still has a lively mind and enjoys reminiscing about the life and the people she knew in the early days of the 20th century."

Alicia Hastead, owner of Bengeworth Fields House, said: "Doris was thrilled to receive her telegram from the Queen and really enjoyed her birthday."