WHEN centenarian Mary Revers took her place before the organ at St Michael's, Bricklehampton on Christmas Day it was an emotional moment.

She gave the congregation an extra special Christmas present by celebrating her 100th birthday on December 25 playing hymns at the church where she has spent most of her life as organist.

Mary admitted she had really enjoyed herself and it made her birthday extra special. Her sister Marjorie added: "It was wonderful - a very emotional morning."

In spite of her age, Mary regularly plays in the church and, after more than 80 years tickling its keys, she proved she still had her magical touch in public. Parishioners raised the roof singing as she played four hymns to realise her ambition.

The former teacher made up her mind several months ago that returning to play the organ for the congregation was how she wanted to celebrate her centenary.

Marjorie said: "She has been playing the organ nearly all her life and still plays the piano at home. There were tears in many eyes after the service when villagers gave her a very nice painting of the church."

Mary's long link with Bricklehampton, Little Comberton and Elmley Castle churches began in 1920 when she was just 20 and an accomplished pianist. She had never played the organ before but was asked to deputise at St Peter's, Little Comberton when the organist was ill. Sadly he never recovered and Miss Revers took on the role permanently.

After "a few hasty lessons" she perfected her organ playing earning many accolades including an illuminated address from the Royal School of Church Music and, in 1992, the British Empire Medal.

In 1973 she was asked to play the organ at Elmley church and later Bricklehampton too. Until the age of 94 she drove herself between the three parishes in all weathers to play at services.

Remembering the first piece of advice when she began playing in church - never keep a parson waiting - she has never been late and never made a mistake.

Mary was actually born in Staffordshire on Christmas Day in 1900 but soon moved to Laverton before her parents bought the Old Mill at Elmley Castle, which they ran as a mill and pub.

In 1926 they moved to Hall Farm at Bricklehampton where Mary and her sister Marjorie have lived ever since.

As well as being church organist, Mary taught at Cropthorne School and Pershore Junior School, where she used her musical talents to help prepare boys for the Abbey choir.

She retired from Little Comberton and Elmley Castle churches at 95 but continued to play at Bricklehampton, although she has scaled down her duties and is no longer the church's main organist.

She added she had been privileged to do what she has done.

"When I look back over my years I've had a wonderful life," she said.