Mary Hutchinson celebrated her milestone 100th birthday — by receiving more presents than she did when she was a young girl.

She was visited by her old dancing friends from years gone by, and by the afternoon she was surrounded by 30 birthday cards and gifts.

The retired dental nurse, from Astley Bridge, was especially excited to receive her telegram from the Queen on Friday.

Mrs Hutchinson said: “I’m very surprised with how many presents I have. It’s more than when I was a girl. It’s a lot different than when I was growing up.

“I am really happy that I have lived long enough to receive a card from the Queen. It says: ‘Wishing you a very happy birthday’ in elegant writing and a nice photo.

“My husband, Albert, has been celebrating with me, and I have had visits from some old dancing friends who have all brought me presents. I have had so many it will take me all day to open them.”

Mrs Hutchinson’s husband Albert, aged 89, revealed that the pair are still very much in love.

He said: “She has had a wonderful day. A number of her dancing friends have come round to visit, bringing presents and cards.

“We used to so a lot of dancing in the old days, like the TV show Strictly Come Dancing, but we did ballroom. We loved it.

“I haven’t got her a present myself because at this time of life, we’re just happy to have each other. We still love each other very dearly and never spend time apart, and today was no exception.”