MARY Hawley doesn't want any fuss for her birthday - even though she has reached the grand old age of 102!

The sprightly birthday girl, who once described herself as "the old geezer" of the Greenways home for the elderly in Darwen, was celebrating today with a buffet and a slice of cake.

Mary was born in the Sunnyhurst area of Darwen and started work in a local weaving shed at the age of 12. After a short marriage she concentrated on single-handedly bringing up her son Granville, now 79.

Granville visited his mum at Greenways on Sunday as part of her birthday celebrations.

Deputy officer in charge Jennie Grunshaw said Mary, who lived in a flat on her own until just a few years ago, was very alert.

"She is always dressed immaculately and is bright as a button. She loves her porridge and I think that is what keeps her going," she said.

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