A FIRE engine roared into Elizabeth Begg's street on her 100th birthday - but it wasn't there to put out the candles on her cake!

Mrs Begg's late husband Robert was a senior fire officer in Liverpool for many years.

So when word spread in Ferndown that she was joining the ranks of centenarians, crew from the local station surprised her by turning up in their engine with a bouquet of flowers.

"She was absolutely overwhelmed by it all - it was a lovely gesture," said Mrs Begg's daughter, Sylvia Mooney.

"Dad was in the fire service for many years and they moved all over the country so she knows all about being a fireman's wife.

"He took early retirement and they spent five years in Nigeria where he trained up young recruits," she said.

The couple retired to Verwood in 1965 and moved to Mrs Begg's current home in Cammel Road, Ferndown, in 1974. Her husband died 10 years later.

Mrs Mooney said: "Although she lives on her own, she looks after herself and is very independent. She does all her own cooking. I take her shopping once a week and we try to get out most days as she loves being outdoors.

"She enjoys reading and visits by her friends."

Mrs Begg also has two sons, Roderick and Graham, 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandson, many of whom joined her on her special day.

Along with numerous cards, she also received congratulatory telegrams from the Queen and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Blunkett.

First published: August 12