A LETTER from the Queen arrived in the hands of a special lady today.

Church-born Lilly Woodhouse was set to hit the grand old age of 100.

But Lilly is still young at heart, and was to celebratethe big day with her whole family,at the Hope House Christian Nursing Home, Clayton-le-Moors.

Popular Lilly has lived at the home since March, and the staff teamed up with her family to help give her a day she would not forget.

Grand-daughter Irene Waddington, who works as a care assistant at the home, said: "All the staff love her at Hope House. They all think she's a little sweety, and she thinks they're a grand lot.

"We have had a letter from Westminster and her great-grandson Daniel will be presenting her with a massive cake."

Lilly was born the eldest of seven children, and started work at the age of 12, dividing her time between school and the shop where she worked.

After moving to Oswaldtwistle, where she spent most of the rest of her life, she worked for 40 years at Rhyddings Mill.

In her younger years, twice married Lilly was a big fan of dancing,.

Irene said: "She is a very independent and determined lady and she has got a very cheeky sense of humour."