A SPRIGHTLY lady celebrated her 100th birthday in style with a spin in a police car.

Great gran Laura Olive, who lived most of her adult life in Northwich, was thrilled when officers turned up at Newton Court Bupa Care Home in Middlewich to take her out for a ride round town.

The VIP trip was just one of many surprises organised by care home staff to mark her milestone birthday last week.

She was also presented with flowers from children at Kids Planet nursery as well as the customary congratulations card from the Queen.

Celebrations continued in the afternoon, with entertainer Sandra Currie performing a Tina Turner tribute act after afternoon tea with her family, residents and staff.

Speaking of the day, Laura said: “It was a beautiful day and the staff couldn’t have made it any nicer.

Northwich Guardian:

“The ride in the police car was exciting and we went hell-for-leather with the blue lights and sirens on.

“All the cars were moving out the way.

“Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so wonderful.”

Laura was brought up and attended school in Chorlton-cum-Hardy alongside her brother and two sisters.

After leaving school at 14, she worked at Kodak developing films in a dark room and says this was her favourite job.

She then went on to work in Trafford Park, where she met her late husband Eric, and the couple married in 1943.

Northwich Guardian:

Laura soon gave birth to a daughter, Lynne, and later a son named Robin.

After leaving work to become a full-time mum, the pair moved to Northwich due to Eric’s job, but he sadly became poorly and died in 1993.

Laura then moved to Middlewich to be closer to her daughter, who sadly died from cancer, and lived in a bungalow for 26 years before going into care.

She has two grandsons, two granddaughters and 11 great grandchildren.

"Laura is a wonderful woman who is so easy and interesting to talk to," said the care home's activity co-ordinator Emily Phillips.

"You wouldn't think she was 100, she is absolutely brilliant."

"Laura brings such joy and we are very lucky to have her with us, so all the staff at Newton Court would like to wish her a very happy 100th birthday."