SHE spent scores of years serving the town's youngsters through the school meals' service.

Now, Mrs Charlotte (Lottie) Wareing is finally having meals served to her. And none more special than her 96th birthday celebration meal in Astley Grange Nursing Home, Bolton this week.

This independent elderly lady lived in her Whowell Fold, Halliwell, home until a fall a few weeks ago meant residential care. She had a long working life -- in the school meals' service, at the old Bolton Royal Infirmary and at Cotton Street rehabilitation centre.

Now, daughter Mrs Blanche Bland reports that she has settled in "wonderfully" at the home. And she thoroughly enjoyed her remarkable birthday this week with fellow residents and her family.