IT was the year in which Queen Victoria died, the Cadillac was built in America and the first Nobel prizes were awarded.

But 1901 has extra significance for a Bolton grandma -- it was the year she was born.

Mary Bannister, received a card from The Queen to celebrate her centenary yesterday.

Widow Mary, of Withins Residential Home in Breightmet who has one daughter and a granddaughter, worked at Slaters Bleach Works on Tonge Moor for 36 years before retiring at the age of 70.

A party was held in her honour at the Withins Lane home where guests, staff and other residents enjoyed a birthday cake and presented Mary with gifts and flowers.