FORMER Bradford on Avon resident Lillian Fishlock had a very special anniversary to celebrate this week her 103rd birthday.

Friends joined her for tea at Waterhouse residential home, Limpley Stoke, on Thursday to mark the special day.

Mrs Fishlock has been a resident at Waterhouse for the last five years.

She previously lived in Bath Road, Bradford, and former neighbours Diane Shorto and Ann Riley were at the home to join the celebrations.

Mrs Fishlock received a cake decorated with the numbers 103.

She said: "I have had a wonderful day. It was very busy and I had lots of friends call in."

Sandie Davis, matron at the home, said: "I can hardly believe Mrs Fishlock is 103 years old, she is so pretty for her age.

"She always tells us she doesn't want any fuss on her birthday but on the day she is so excited and tells us 'it's my birthday today you know'.

"She is so particular on what she wears for her birthday and always wants to look her best."

Mrs Fishlock, who is related to the Long family, was a very keen gardener at her home in Bath Road Bradford on Avon, continuing right up until she was in her late nineties.

Her former neighbour Mrs Riley said: "She was always busy in her garden and likes to sit out in the gardens at Waterhouse and enjoys the setting.

"She is a grand lady."