A MINER'S daughter celebrated her 100th birthday with a champagne toast.
Bessie Skeat, of the Clitheroe Residential Home, Eshton Terrace, enjoyed a celebration buffet with family, friends and fellow residents.
She was born and bred in Atherton and lived most of her life in Bag Lane, where she met and married late husband Harry and raised son Leslie and late daughter Dorothy.
Bessie worked in the mills before running a grocery store in Atherton until she retired.
She was a noted contralto singer and enjoyed singing in church, particularly Atherton Parish Church, which she regularly attended.
Harry died in 1962 and Bessie lived on her own until the age of 96 when she moved to the Clitheroe Residential Home to be near her son, who lives in nearby Wilson Street.
Bessie said everything in moderation was the secret of a long life and promptly enjoyed the buffet celebration, which included cake and champagne.
She received numerous cards and flowers, including one from the Queen and a visit from Ribble Valley Mayor Coun Joyce Holgate.
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