One of Halesworth’s most popular residents was joined by her many friends in the town this week to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Amelia Aldridge was born on November 12, 1914, and this week members of the Halesworth Day Centre got together for a special birthday party.

The party, held in the Day Centre on London Road, was kept as a surprise from Mrs Aldridge who is known to all her friends as “Millie”.

However, she took the shock of having a party in her honour in her stride and was all smiles as a chorus of “Happy Birthday” was sang as she entered the room.

“I am so lucky to have so many friends here in the town,” she said as she took her place at the top table and was keen to thank everyone for their efforts in arranging the party.

In fact the week has been one long series of parties and celebrations as different groups around the area all want to celebrate Millie’s special occasion on reaching her century.

Her many nephews and nieces will be joining her for a special family gathering and the congregation at Halesworth’s United Reform Church will also be hosting a party in Millie’s honour.

Mrs Aldridge still leads a busy life and values her independence.

She is a regular visitor to the shops in Halesworth town centre where she is happy to talk to all the friends she meets.

Mrs Aldridge enjoys going out on trips and outings with the North Suffolk Association for the Elderly, participating in church activities at the United Reform Church as well as taking a keen interest in the local community.

She was delighted when the chairman of Halesworth Town Council, Annette Dunning, dropped in to pass on her congratulations on behalf of Halesworth residents.

“This has all come as a complete surprise but it is very nice. I am so lucky,” said Mrs Aldridge.

When asked to talk about Mrs Aldridge her friends all remarked on her “lovely smile”, her cheerful outlook and the fact she always looked for the positive in any situation.

One of the most difficult decisions for her friends at the Day Centre was finding an appropriate present on the big day.

They did, however, come up with at least two delightful gifts with an invitation to Millie and a friend to attend their Tuesday and Friday lunches as a guest in the months and years ahead.

Similarly the North Suffolk Association for the Elderly have invited her to join their events and outings as a guest in the months and years ahead.