A FAMILY gathered to celebrate with a fabulous great-great-grandma as she turned 100 years old.

The special occasion saw five generations of one family unite to honour the Bolton-born centenarian.

Annie Wood, who was born and raised in Bolton, was given a huge knees up as 50 guests turned out for her birthday party at Turton Bowling Club.

Annie was born at her current home in Wellington Road, Turton, and has invested her life in the local community.

Until recently, Annie went to church on a weekly basis, attending St Anne's Church, Turton, where she was married.

Her late husband Bill Wood, who worked as a signal man at Turton railway station, died aged 87 of cancer.

The couple are said to have loved the Turton community, so much so that they lived, worked and attended church in the same town.

Annie spent most of her working life as a dinner lady, first at St Anne's Primary School, which has since closed down.

She worked at the school when grand-daughter Debbie Hurley Wilson attended, but later moved to Turton and Edgworth Church of England Methodist Primary School.

Grand-daughter Debbie, aged 54, said: "My gran has always been so helpful and lovely.

"She was always around during our childhood. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her.

"It is unbelievable she has made it to this age. It is a fantastic achievement.

"Church has been hugely important to her. When we were growing up, we all went to Sunday school because grandma wanted us to go. At the time I didn't want to. But now I think thank goodness I did because it made her happy."

Debbie added: "My grandma has spent her life in the same house and my mum was born there.

"We now live next door, and we move between the two.

"It's a very close-knit community."

Annie is cared for by Debbie's mum Kathleen Wilson, aged 73, who lives next door in Wellington Road.

The whole family, including Debbie's brother and sister, and their children, attended the party on Sunday (29).