RELATIVES flew from the other side of the world to help Edith Finney celebrate her 100th birthday.

Edith (nee Ratcliffe) celebrated the occasion on June 16 with a party packed with family and friends at Lime House in Lowton. She received over 50 cards including a telegram from the Queen.

Her only living daughter Joyce, husband Malcolm and their youngest daughter Sonia and her husband James made the journey over from Queensland in Australia, where they emigrated to 39 years ago.

Edith, who was one of seven, moved to Leigh as a young girl where she worked in Tunnicliffe's cotton mills until she retired. She married Robert and had three children Joan, Joyce and Edith. She has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Joyce said: "Mum had a wonderful day. She's still a proud woman and was wearing a new dress, she had her nails manicured and her hair set and enjoyed a few of her favourite sherrys.

"I want to thank the staff at Lime House for doing such a great job, especially with the food."

Joyce will also be celebrating her 70th birthday in the UK on July 3, before returning home on July 7.