A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER has celebrated her 100th birthday at the Basildon care home where she has lived for three decades.

A party was held at Southwood Court, in Great Spenders, Basildon, to mark Elsie Allchin’s milestone.

Elsie worked at the Lamson Paragon printing works, in Canning Town, where she met her husband, Sidney, who went on to work for the Daily Express.

The couple were married for 66 years and had one son.

Elsie, who has two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, moved into Southwood Court, a home for people who have retired from the printing industry, 30 years ago.

She said one of her proudest memories was meeting Prince Charles when he opened the rebuilt Southwood Court in 2001.

Elsie attributes her long life to always being busy and having lots of interests.

She was a keen member of the Women’s Institute for many years, loves painting and has held an exhibition of her work.