AN OXENHOPE born woman who now lives in Keighley was joined by her family and care home staff to celebrate her 106th birthday.

Ada Thompson marked this special event where she lives in Regency Court Care Home, Thwaites, yesterday, (Nov 27) though her actual birthday is today. (Nov 28)

She was born Ada Bates in Oxenhope. She left school when she was 14 to become a twister at Merralls Mill, and later worked at other mills in Oxenhope.

During the Second World War she was employed at Anderton Springs, which made components for aircraft.

When she was 24 she married Eric Thompson, a wool sorter who came from Barnsley.

He served in the Royal Navy during the war, and was a gunner on board merchant ships.

The couple were married for 68 years until Mr Thompson's death 16 years ago, aged 91.

The couple had one son, Harry, who lives in Haworth with his wife June.

With help from carers Mrs Thompson was still managing to live in her own home when she was 105.

Her son, Harry Thompson, said despite poor mobility his mother remains in good health and only had to leave her own home in August of this year.

He added that her family lives locally so grandchildren and great grandchildren were on hand to attend her party yesterday.

"Regency Court were absolutely brilliant," he said. "They put on food and did everything for us."