A CENTENARIAN has celebrated her 100th birthday just miles from where she grew up.

Elsie Jefferies marked her landmark birthday with a visit from family and a birthday tea at Lime Court Care Centre, in Dovercourt.

It is just a few miles away from where Elsie was raised in Parkeston. She went to school in the village before starting work in the refreshment rooms on the railways at various stations.

In her spare time she used to enjoy going to dances at the Army Garrison, which is where she met her future husband Cpl Roger Jefferies.

They married at Parkeston Church and moved to the Army quarters at Colchester Garrison.

Elsie continued to work until 1942 when their first child, Patricia, was born.

When her husband was posted to Gibraltar they moved and continued travelling with the Army, returning at the end of his service with second child, Roger.

The family headed back to the Parkeston area and settled in Ramsey. After her children grew up, Elsie went back to work, picking potatoes and apples. She moved to Lime Court Care Centre in 2004.

Sarah Meachen, activities co-ordinator, said: “Elsie has been here for ten years and she has been a pleasure to have around.

“It’s always nice to be able to celebrate a 100th birthday.”