A DARWEN great-grandmother who was born the same year the Titanic sank, celebrated her 103rd birthday this week.

Mary Knowles was joined by about 20 family and friends at the Birch Hall Care Centre in Darwen for a party and birthday cake.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Mary who only moved into the care home aged 99 is like someone much younger than her age, said care home manager Charlotte Pardon.

“You just wouldn’t imagine her being the age she is. I would have put her more in her seventies and eighties”, she said.

“Mary is very sharp and always takes part in the home’s quizzes – often being first with the answers.”

Ms Pardon added that Mary, who was born in 1912, remembers many significant historical events when chatting with staff.

She also plays bingo and sometimes dances with staff.

Bolton-born Mary spent part of her childhood living at the King William pub, which her parents ran as an inn and ale house.

The pub is now an Italian restaurant called Ciao Baby.

Mary’s father ran 11 butchers shops between Bolton and Blackpool where Mary spent her teenage years and her twenties.

An avid dancer, she spent every weekend at the Winter Gardens.

Her passion for dancing continued after she got married and moved to Darwen.

She went on to have two sons, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mary was a member of the Caledonian Society and her charity work included fundraising for the British Legion.

Charlotte said: “She had a lovely time and all her family came and she had a bit of a party.

“ She is not one for a fuss.

“We did a little tea party which she really enjoyed.”