ADA Harper will have an extra special guest at her 100th birthday bash .... her BIG SISTER! For among the people helping the sprightly Leigh woman celebrate her "century not out" on November 23 will be her sister Bertha Keenan, who is 102. Family and friends from all over the mainland and from the Isle of Man will gather at Chequers restaurant, Westhoughton for the big party, which has been organised by Adlington man John Fairclough.

In her younger days, both Ada and Bertha were regulars at the former Woolpack pub in Leigh, which John's parents Jim and Kathleen Fairclough ran for many years.

Ada, who has been a widow for many years, used to clean at the pub and became not just like one of the family with the Faircloughs but more of an adopted grandma, said John.

He has always stayed in touch with her and regularly visits her in Gordon Street, Leigh.

Ada's sister, who is cared for at a rest home in Ashton in Makerfield, will be driven to Westhoughton for the party.

John said: "Everybody is looking forward to the party.

"No-one has ever heard of a person celebrating a 100th birthday and having an older sister or brother there."

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