A GREAT grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday in style on the same day that her son turned 65.

Family members travelled from across the country to be with Ethel Smith for her big day.

The former lollipop lady for a school in Wimborne celebrated with balloons, a cake and a card from the Queen at her birthday party on Monday January 20.

She said “I’ve had a lovely day so far, it’s wonderful seeing this many people.”

Her son Colin was also marking his 65th birthday and said the secret to his mother’s long life was “keeping physically fit and walking everywhere.”

At 14-years-old Ethel went into service in Bournemouth where she met and married Reginald before moving to Southampton.

After the birth of her two daughters Julia and Sandra they moved to Critchel Estate in Dorset to live with her father who worked as a groom there.

She then had two sons Michael and Colin before devoting her time to fostering children.

Her daughter Sandra Salvage said: “She still enjoys good heath and remains very content.”

Ethel now has four children, one adopted son, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Colin said: “She absolutely loved fostering children and must have looked after at least 20 during her time.

“My mum is such a generous and caring person.”