EVELINE Monks celebrated turning 100 years old surrounded by well wishers including the Mayor of Bolton.

Family travelled from as far away as America and Sussex for a party at Mrs Monks' home in Harwood on Friday.

And the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Frank White, was among those who helped the retired teacher to celebrate reaching the milestone.

Mrs Monks said: "I'm surrounded by cards and flowers and I've never felt so popular.

"It has been a lovely day and quite a surprise to see so many people, especially the Mayor."

Mrs Monks, who has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, was born in Bolton in 1905 and lived on Great Moor Street before leaving the town in the 1950s.

She went to the Church Institute School, which later became Canon Slade School, and later taught at All Saints School.