PICKERING is wishing its latest centenarian, great, great grandmother Miriam Foxton, a very happy birthday today.

Born in Westerdale, Mrs Foxton moved with her family to her grandfather’s farm at Yatts when she was a child.

After leaving school at Newton-upon-Rawcliffe, Mrs Foxton went into service and married her late husband Reg, a farmer, at 19. She later worked at The Black Swan and Beryl’s Café in Pickering. The couple had two children, Rita and the late Peter.

Today, Mrs Foxton is a resident at the North Yorkshire County Council’s home in Whitby Road, Pickering. “I love living here. Everyone is so friendly and I’ve made new friends,” she said.

An early-riser, Mrs Foxton is around and about by 7am. “I’ve enjoyed my life,” she said.

Not a keen television viewer, she prefers instead to read.

“My favourite books are love stories,” Mrs Foxton added.

A special party is being planned by the staff at the home and her many visitors will include her daughter, Rita, nine grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.