A WOMAN forced out of a nursing home when it closed at short notice has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Ada Duckworth moved to White Cliffe Care Centre in East Park Road, Blackburn, last December, when she was among 13 elderly people forced to leave the Southlands Care Home at short notice when the centre closed.

Residents and their families first knew they would be moving 48 hours before they left.

Yesterday, Ada was joined by other residents and staff in celebrating her 100th birthday after receiving a card from the Queen.

Murial Duckworth, Ada's daughter-in-law, said: "Last year's move was a real shock for her and the other people who lived there.

"People said it could have killed her. But she is a remarkable woman who is very strong.

"The whole move was very traumatic for me because my husband, John, who was Ada's son, was dying of cancer at the time.

"Fortunately, social services stepped in and found somewhere for Ada to go, which was good news."

Ada spent her retirement living in Cherry Tree. She used to run a newsagents in Livesey Branch Road with her husband, Henry, who died about 15 years ago.

He also used to run Blackburn's old Empire Theatre. Ada had just one son and two grandchildren.

Murial added: "She was a weaver when she was younger. They are a tough breed!"

A spokesman for White Cliffe said: "She is a truly remarkable lady. It is her strength which keeps her going.

"There were concerns that the move would be enough to kill them, but Ada seems to be going from strength to strength."

Three former Southlands residents moved to White Cliffe Car Centre.

Southlands, in Shear Bank Road, was closed when manager Paul Norton wrote to the East Lancashire Health Authority saying he no longer wished to be manager.