A VERY special birthday was celebrated in Yate over the weekend, as a woman who has lived in the area for her entire life turned 100 years old.

Described as a “local celebrity” by her daughter-in-law Sarah, 100-year-old Annie Wright celebrated the incredible milestone alongside her six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren at a family house party in Yate on Sunday.

Her secrets to longevity include never smoking and rarely drinking – with the exception of the odd Baileys Irish cream.

Daughter-in-law Sarah Thompson said that the former shop owner has been desperate to reach the milestone for quite some time.

She said: “Since about the age of 95, she has been asking us all whether she’s 100 yet.

“It’s so lovely that she’s been absolutely desperate to be 100 and that we're all here to celebrate it with her.”

As is tradition, the Queen signed a special birthday card to Annie expressing her congratulations.

The card read: “I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday.

"I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion.”

Annie, née Trotman, was born on Thursday, 1 March 1917 to two tenant farmers who owned a tearoom and butchers on Sodbury Street.

As a teenager, she was often spotted helping her parents by delivering milk straight from the churn to residents in Chipping Sodbury.

She later married Jack Thompson, with whom she bought a house on Ridgeway road in Yate for just £500, and had two children – Sheila and Ken Thompson.

In the 1950s, she opened a convenience shop in the sitting room of the house where she also offered haberdashery services.

Commenting on the party, Annie's daughter-in-law Sarah said: “I am so pleased that she’s been able to have a lovely day with people who care about her.

“It’s not often that we are able to have a big family get together but everyone has made an effort to come along and celebrate.

"Even her two carers, who are like a part of the family, have come to the party - they are absolute stars."