FORMER nanny Lilian Branson celebrated her 100th birthday - and four of the children she cared for more than 60 years ago were at her surprise party.

Mrs Branson, who lives at the Hawthorns sheltered homes complex, in Oxford Road, Banbury, was overwhelmed with presents and good wishes from fellow residents and visitors last Friday.

She said: "This party is a complete, but wonderful, surprise. I have some marvellous friends and I am so glad that the children I nannied all those years ago have taken the time to be here.

"We have always kept in touch, and I have some lovely memories from that part of my life."

Mrs Branson was born in Portsmouth - her father was in the Royal Navy - and her introduction to nannying came from the service connection.

Her first young charge was Lavinia Anson, whose father was also in the Navy, and Mrs Branson looked after her for 10 years, from 1929 to 1939.

Mrs Anson said: "Lily was a wonderful nanny. That is why we have remained friends for so long."

Mrs Branson gave up nannying when she married her late husband Tom and moved to Sulgrave, near Banbury. She later lived in Wesley Drive, Banbury, and has been a member of the Salvation Army for more than 50 years.