A visit to the doctors put 100-year-old Florence Bridle in a party mood yesterday (Thursday).

The team at the Bharani surgery in Bath Road, Slough had got together to throw a celebration birthday party in her honour.

There to congratulate her were Doctor Hemantha Kumar and Doctor Bharan Kumar, along with practice manager June Caiafa.

Doctor Kumar said: “It is a great privilege to look after Mrs Bridle.”

Mrs Bridle has lived in Slough all her life - which began weeks before the end of the First World War. She said: “I was the ninth of 12 children. Trains ran by the bottom of the garden and made the house shake.”

She moved to Francis Way, Cippenham when she got married.

“I have lived in the same house 78 years since 1940.’’ “The rent was 15 shillings and 11 pence a month then - I gather it is £680 now.”

Mrs Bridle is a widow who sadly lost her daughter 32 years ago. But she is proud grandmother to two and great grandmother to nine.

She has become quite a party person in recent days, having had a celebratory meal at the Blue River cafe and a buffet celebration.

She attributes her longevity to keeping active. She has enjoyed working on her house during the years she has spent there and even loves painting.

She said: “I always looked after my garden although sadly I haven’t been able to over the last couple of years.”

Her neighbour Jane Watkins has lived next door 47 years and was another welcome guest at the surgery - as was the leader of Slough Council James Swindlehurst.

Both have admired the beautiful garden that Mrs Bridge attended with such pride over many years.

Cllr Swindlehurst said: “I am her ward councillor and have been knocking on her door for 17 years. But I won’t tell you how she votes.”