Celebrations were in full-swing for the 100th birthday of a spritely centenarian.

Born-and-bred West Cumbrian Bessie Faragher was joined by friends and family on her special day on December 28, and was wined and dined by staff of Wyndham Manor Care Home, where she lives.

Born in Frizington in 1919, Bessie moved to Cleator Moor with her husband James in 1955 and has lived in the town ever since.

Those who joined the party and visited the grandmother-of-four included close friends from the area as well as family from far and wide.

Guests included close friend Kathleen Rigg, Cleator Moor Methodist Church friends Mavis and Alan Moore, Sue Cosham and Reverend Saunders.

Bessie’s cousin Margaret Nicholson also travelled up from Essex, along with her daughter and granddaughter Lyn and Roisin.

And a very special guest also made an appearance – and it wasn’t just her wonderful card from Her Majesty The Queen.

Bessie’s only child David Faragher made his way from Ontario, Canada, where he has lived for 45 years, to celebrate the milestone birthday with his mum.

“I’ve always visited on a regular basis over the 45 years in Canada, but since my father passed away in 2008 I have been over twice a year,” David said.

“To be there on this special occasion meant an awful lot to my mother – it always does as I have no siblings, [so] she counts the days until my next visit.”

Bessie and her beloved party-goers were entertained by singer Vanessa Carlisle, followed by plenty of snacks, cakes, wine and champagne, and of course plenty of laughter.

Although her grandchildren Justine, Wayne, Leanne and Glenn couldn’t spend the day with Bessie, she was still delighted to receive their lovely cards, and staff said she “had a really lovely time”.

David added: “A special thanks to the staff of Wyndham Manor for making this happen, especially Mary Hodgson and Susan Ruddy who did a lot of preparation.”