A RETIRED local nurse and great-grandmother to 17 children has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Annie Williams, who lives at the Dolwen Residential Care Home in Denbigh, reached her milestone on Friday, March 9.

Mrs Williams, “born and bred” in Henllan, lived her childhood on School Street. and attended the village primary school, before going to Ruthin Grammar School.

Mrs Williams left school at 15 to offer her services at Henllan rectory where she worked for 12 months.

It was at this time that Lady Tate, of Tate & Lyle Sugar, was looking for a housemaid, to whom Annie was recommended and worked until she married at 22 years of age. Her and husband Tom went on to have five children, Joyce and Brenda, now deceased, and Keith, Alan and Jill. She has 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Annie worked as a nursing auxiliary in Llangwyfan Hospital, Denbigh, for 20 years, and a further three years at Denbigh Infirmary.

Her interests have been reading, cooking and regular trips to bingo with her friends.

The biggest love in her life is her family who she has supported, cared for, and now cared for by them.

Amanda Lewis, m of Dolwen Care Home, said: “We are delighted to be able to share Annie’s special day.

“She is such a gracious lady with an extremely warm personality. She makes everyone who visits feel very welcome.”

“She is very popular and being from Denbigh she is always surrounded by friends and family.

“She’s the kind of lady that you would love to have as a grandmother”.