PERKY centenarian Annie Bedford had one special guest missing at her 100th birthday party this week . . . her big sister!

Sadly 102-year-old Alice Wild was too unwell to attend her younger sister's celebrations along with five generations of their family.

But it certainly didn't stop young Annie of Waterfold Lane, Heap Bridge, celebrating on Tuesday (February 17).

Originally from Bolton, Annie came to the Heap Bridge area of Bury at the age of eleven and has lived there ever since.

She met her late husband, Stanley, when they both worked at Duxbury's Paper Mill and they married in 1920.

And the secret of a long life?

"I've always kept myself busy," laughed Annie.

The family will hold another celebration at Annie's daughter Kathleen's home in Rhodes Street, Tottington on Sunday.

Pictured with Birthday Girl Annie Bedford with (clockwise, from left) great-great grand-children Samantha Frankham (6) and her sister Jacqueline (9), daughter Mrs Kathleen Anderton, great grand-daughter Mrs Lesley Frankham and grand-daughter Mrs Hilary Ward.

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