LIFELONG Christian and trained seamstress, Molly Joseph of Charminster, has died at the age of 100.

Born in Malvern Road in Moordown, Molly trained as a seamstress after leaving school. She met her husband, Victor, at Winton Christian Fellowship and they were married at Charminster Chapel Hall, with the couple welcoming a son, Paul, before Victor's death 32 years ago.

At a party to celebrate her birthday held on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Charminster Chapel, she was joined by friends, family and fellow members of the church. This included her friend, Tony Steer, and family members including her son, Paul, Graham and Silvia Jessop, Silvia's son, Mark and his wife, Evie, Karlene and Molly's grandson, Jack.

Despite losing her hearing around a decade before her big birthday, Molly was able to speak clearly and had taught herself to lip read to enable her to continue communicating with others.

Speaking to Daily Echo at the event, she said that life had been very good to her and was in good spirits, making a joke about how many of the day's guests would return if the same event was able to take place in 10 years time.

Molly said: "This is a day I never thought that I would see. I have had 100 years and God has been very good to me. I've had my good days and my bad days, but one has to rely on God.

"I think that things have altered going through the years and things have closed down, but I will always find a church.

"On the whole, I've had a very happy life. I'm afraid that I lost my husband. He had a year after he retired and then he died. It was a bit of a shock to me, but we have to take life as it comes and try to give the best outlook."

During the event she was presented with flowers and cards including one from The Queen and marvelled at how many people at turned out to mark the special occasion, many of whom she would see at church every Sunday.

She died on August 2 and to support her life's dedication to Charminster Chapel, her funeral service was held there on Friday, August 12 before she was buried at the North Cemetery off Strouden Avenue.