A FORMER Blackburn nurse celebrated a memorable 100th birthday with a letter from the Queen.

Rita Malloch, who worked at the former Our Lady of Compassion Hospital in Preston New Road, now BMI The Beardwood Hospital, celebrated the milestone with family and friends.

Rita, who now lives at the Gilwood Lodge nursing home in Blackpool, was joined by her sister, Kathleen Milakovic, who travelled from Canada, her five children and their families, her cousins and friends.

To mark the occasion, Pauline Kelly, Rita’s daughter, sourced photographs of the birthday girl in her younger days, together with balloons and a cake.

Pauline, who recently discovered a suitcase containing documents from throughout her mum’s life, including a handwritten reference from the Sacred Heart School in Blackpool, her marriage certificate from 1940 and her nursing qualifications, said: “It was a fantastic day for mum’s birthday, celebrating her reaching 100 years of her wonderful, healthy life. It was a great family and friends reunion.

“It could not have been a better day; it was lovely to see mum happy and enjoying herself.”

Claire Ellwood, home manager at Gilwood Lodge, said: “I’m so grateful to the staff for all their hard work to bring together this special day for Rita.

“It is always important to mark these milestones and celebrate as a community when we can. Rita is loved dearly by everyone here and we were delighted her family shared her special day with us.”