A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER described as the "The Life and Soul" of Halesowen has reached 100-years-old.

Nancy Merris, who is also known to Pat to friends, celebrated her milestone birthday surrounded by her family in Halesowen and was over-the-moon to get a telegram from the Queen.

The perky centenarian has family spread across the globe including Australia and a total of eight great-grandchildren.

She said: "I had a lovely time with so many family members visiting me, my room looks like a florist's shop I had that many flowers.

"I was delighted to get my telegram from the Queen on my birthday as well, it now has pride of place on my wall."

Nancy lives with her granddaughter Jane Merrill in Halesowen.

Jane said: "She is a real Halesowen face as she has lived and worked in the town most of her life.

"She lived with her husband and three children on Goodrest Farm, Hunnington during the Second World War producing milk and food for the war effort.

"Then she worked for years at Pardoe's Wine Shop, Peckingham Street where she was even held up by armed robbers twice, but still managed to work there until she was in her 70's."

She added: "Her 100th birthday was a real treat for her and it was great to see her surrounded by her family."