A CENTENARIAN was flying high today after fulfilling her lifelong ambition of finally meeting some real birds of prey.

Elsie Jackson, aged 102, was able to meet a kestrel and a buzzard, and hold a barn owl at a special event at her care home ‘Belvedere Manor’ in Gibfield Road in Colne

The Brierfield-born great grandmother has always loved owls and has decorated her room at the home with pictures of the birds.

To mark the take-over of Belvedere Manor new owners MHA organised the birds of prey’s visit as part of their ‘Seize the Day’ initiative, which helps care home residents achieve their dreams.

Mrs Jackson said: “I was absolutely thrilled to bits.

“I have always loved owls but to actually meet one was a life-long dream.”

She lived with her husband of 50 years Thomas in Nelson for most of her life,until he passed away.

Her grand-daughter Tracy runs the hair dressing salon at Belvedere, with occasional help from her 80-year-old mother Sheila

Tracey Leverton, Belvedere Manor’s manager, said: “We all had such a fantastic day at the re-launch party!

“It was really lovely to see residents and their loved ones enjoying the festivities.

“My personal highlight was seeing the smile on Elsie’s face when she met the birds – it really showed how much it meant to her.

“We were also delighted to have so many local residents come down for the party too.

“Being a valued and valuable part of the Colne community is really important to us so we hope to see lots of the same faces at some of our other events soon!”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson also attended the event which follows charity MHA taking over Silkcare and its four homes including Heather Grange in Burnley

Mrs Jackson has two daughters Alma and Sheila; four grandchildren, Carole, Tracy, Stephanie and Rachel; two great-grandchildren Ben and Laura; and hope to become a great-great-grandmother next month.

Theresa Knight, media relationships manager at MHA, said: “At MHA, we’re dedicated to bringing quality to later life for all our residents.

“We’re excited to bring our innovative music therapy service for residents living with dementia and dedicated chaplains to the new homes which join the MHA family and are also looking forward to making ‘seize the day’ moments like Elsie’s happen for even more residents!”