STAFF at a Great Lever residential home have held an extra special birthday party for one of their oldest residents.

Because Mary Fisher has reached the grand old age of 101 today Friday, staff at Albion House, Mill View, Bridgeman Street, held a special afternoon tea party with her friends and relatives.

Niece Kathleen Wilson said: "She's got such a good sense of humour and she is a very strong-willed person."

Mary -- known to friends as Cissie -- was born in Cheshire as Mary Wilson, and was one of two children. Her family moved to Bolton during her childhood and she worked for many years at Canning's Metal Box factory.

Her husband, Cecil, who was an engineer, died 20 years ago and their son, Douglas, died aged 61.

Before moving into Albion House, Mary had lived in Park Road, Westhoughton, since 1936.

Hilary Bell, senior care assistant at Albion House, said: "She has a wonderful sense of humour. Mary's just brilliant."