A PICKERING woman is celebrating a special milestone during lockdown.

Sylvia Halliday, who lives at 5 Whitby Road in Pickering, turned 100-years-old on Thursday, January 21, and marked the occasion with a socially-distanced celebration.

5 Whitby Road had been planning a range of celebrations, such as ballroom dancers, but were cancelled due to the announcement of lockdown.

Staff recently launched a Facebook appeal asking for people to help them celebrate by writing and creating birthday cards.

So far, Sylvia has received more than 478 birthday cards.

Pickering businesses have also donated birthday gifts - including Steam and Moorland Garden Centre, Coopers, Reeds, Co-op, Cafe Stop, Magson Feeds Ltd, Select Convenience, The Sun Lounge, Station Hotel and Morrisons.

“The generosity of the community has been overwhelming, I cannot thank everyone enough,” said Jodi Taylor, care home manager.

Sylvia was born in Bramley, Leeds, on January 21, 1921.

She grew up in Pudsey and spent her early working life in one of the local mills before transferring to the Avro aircraft factory at Yeadon, which is now Leeds Bradford Airport, where she worked on the pilot seats for Lancaster bombers.

She married Harry Halliday, a cricketer who played alongside Len Hutton for Yorkshire, on January 10, 1942 at St. Lawrence Parish Church, Pudsey.

After running a newspaper shop in Pudsey, the couple moved to Scarborough in 1958 to run a small private hotel.

They managed the hotel until 1967 when Harry passed away aged 47.

From then Sylvia worked as a cook at a NYCC children’s home, various guest houses, and Boots the Chemist.

“I had a wonderful birthday with lots of gifts and cake,” said Sylvia.

“I received so many thoughtful cards that it took more than two days to open.

“The secret to a long life is by living everyday with happiness and always be kind to others.”