Jean Mellor had been looking forward to a card from The Queen to mark her 100th birthday.

But now she is looking ahead to receiving one from King Charles at her retirement home in Ribchester.

The custom of congratulatory messages from Buckingham Palace was put on hold when Her Majesty died last month but will be resumed shortly, with a new monarch sending his wishes to centenarians.

Mrs Mellor (nee Gregson) celebrated her 100th birthday last Friday (October 7) with friends and family, including nephew and musician David Mellor.

Born in Darwen in 1922, Jean met and married Percy Mellor when she was 18. It was a classic love story which lasted throughout their lives.

Jean worked at the ‘Brush Works’ in Marsh House Lane for a long time, while Percy was a welder for Percy Wilcox, the Blackburn engineering firm.

Seriously injured in an explosion at work, Percy was later diagnosed as haemophiliac and it had an ongoing effect on both their lives with Percy spending weeks at a time, often close to death, in Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Jean travelled daily from their home in Avondale Road, Darwen, to Manchester on bus or train and sometimes with family or friends to be at his side.

It wasn't easy in those days but she appeared to be indefatigable and was an inspiration to others, with always a broad smile and cheery word despite their personal troubles.

In the 1960s Jean and Percy opened a successful ironmongers and garden supply shop at 54 Darwen Street, Blackburn, adjacent to Mincing Lane.

Many years later they sold the Darwen Street business and relocated from Avondale Road in Darwen to Ribchester, and ran a similar business in Wilpshire.

When retirement beckoned, they sold the business and went to live in Stoneygate Lane, Ribchester.

In November, 1984 after further complications associated with his illness Percy died in Manchester Royal Infirmary. Jean and the whole family were devastated.

Since then Jean, with her cheery smile and positive approach to life, enjoyed the company of family and friends at her home before moving to Dutton Brook House, Ribchester.

Mr Mellor said: "Auntie Jean continues to be a beacon of joy, delight and sound common sense.

"Together with Percy and my parents she provided so much love and support during my formative years for which I am forever grateful."