ANNIE Morris is a great believer in keeping busy. And her active life seems to have paid off, for the Westhoughton great grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

Annie was joined by 90 friends and relations at a party in her honour at Westhoughton Cricket Club. The Mayor, Cllr Mrs Linda Thomas, also popped in to offer her congratulations.

Annie was born on October 15, 1895, the year the first moving pictures were developed, and Queen Victoria ruled.

One of a family of 13, Annie was born and raised in Westhoughton and attended the local parochial school. She left school at 13 but stayed at home to help her mother look after her younger brothers and sisters.

"It wasn't easy in those days. There was no hot water and no washing machines. It was hard work," said Annie who lived at the time at Esther Fold, Wigan Road.

She married her late husband, William, after the end of the First World War, having known him from schooldays. He died 10 years ago, aged 90.

Annie has one son, John, who lives in Derbyshire, but every Saturday he returns to visit her. Three grandsons and three great grandchildren complete Annie's family.

She says she is surrounded by good neighbours and friends, who are always calling in, and care assistants visit several times each day. One friend, Mrs Ruth Crook, who Annie calls her "guardian angel", organised a party.

"I've always had good health until the last few years, and I have never lost my sense of humour.

"I don't believe in sitting down all the time, I like to keep on the move," said Annie.

She had the following advice for people of advancing years: "Don't sit down and say - 'I'm tired'. Get up and do something. Go into the kitchen and do some washing up." She also advocates a little tot of brandy or whisky, which she has every evening before going to bed.

Annie doesn't go out much now, although she did go shopping for her birthday outfit. She likes listening to the news bulletins and enjoys quizzes. She also is a great fan of Coronation Street.

"It's just about ordinary people and ordinary everyday life," added Annie.

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