A woman who used to keep Ely Cathedral spick and span as a Martha is celebrating her 100th birthday.

Phyllis Poole will be surrounded by friends and family at The Gables care home in Chatteris as she raises a glass to celebrate her big day.

One of her great grandsons is even flying from Australia to join the family.

Patricia Kreyer, her daughter, said: “She is an amazing mum, very practical and a very independent woman. She doesn’t look her age.

“She used to make all her own clothes, grow vegetables, all home baking and cooking, she is still very well today and thinks she is 50 not 100!”

Phyllis was born in Bury St Edmunds then grew up and spent her early married life in Wisbech.

In 1944 she and her late husband Rupert moved to the Ely area when he took up a post as head teacher of Stretham School.

Joining her at her birthday celebration will be her daughter Patricia, two sons Stuart and Melvyn Poole along with grandchildren, great grandchildren and residents of The Gables.