Evelyn Ketchell, who was born in Featherstone, celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends during a party at Ladybalk Social Club on Tuesday.

Her daughter, Kathleen Higgins, 65, said: “Everyone was down there to celebrate with her. She’s extremely popular and well-loved and I don’t think she can quite believe she’s 100.

“She always said the secret to living to 100 is having a brandy with tea every morning. Or a whisky, from time to time.”

Mrs Ketchell, who lived in Monkhill for around 60 years before moving to her current home in Pontefract, used to work in hotels while she was in service – including a spell at the Elephant and Castle in Wakefield – and also worked in the fields.

She had nine children – of which five survived – and has ten grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Mrs Higgins said: “There are now only three of us children left. My mother used to look after everybody else’s children while they went to work.

“She’s loved by everyone. She’s always gone out for a drink, and with me on Fridays. We’re very close.

“She’s lived a fascinating life, and could tell you some stories. When I asked her if she was going to her party in her wheelchair she said she would walk. She’s still going strong.”