GOOD food, hard work and a dabble on the horses have been the formula for a long and happy life for 100-year-old Elizabeth Dawson.

The centenarian, who celebrates her milestone birthday today, awoke to a fine breakfast and a telegram from the Queen.

She used to like a regular bet before she moved to The Hollands nursing home on Church Road, Farnworth. And the odds of having a good time were stacked in her favour when nurses organised a party for this afternoon.

Care assistant Nicola Knott said: "Elizabeth opened her telegram this morning and she was guest of honour at a concert in the lounge. It has been a wonderful day. Her nephew came all the way from Dorset to see her."

Elizabeth was born in 1902 and grew up in Kay Street, Farnworth.

She has stayed in the area all her life and lived with her sister Alice for many years. As a teenager she became a ring-spinner at Century Mill and remained there until she was 60. For the next 10 years she was an instructor at Swan Mill.

Mrs Knott said: "She did not get married and had no children of her own. But she was popular with her neighbours' children, who all called her Auntie Lizzie.

"She has also been very popular since she came here in 1995."