A GREAT-grandmother who works at a Salvation Army charity shop has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Gwen Bennett, from Winton, is a volunteer at the Place Next Door Salvation Army charity shop on Latimer Road, Winton, helping to sort clothes, toys and bric-a-brac.

Yesterday she got a special birthday visit from the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Ted Taylor, and Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood.

Her 122 birthday cards included the traditional telegram from the Queen and a card from the head of the International Salvation Army, General John Larsson.

Gwen was born on September 5, 1905, in Compton near Newbury but moved to Bournemouth as a small child.

She was married to former Bournemouth Labour councillor and honorary alderman Ron Bennett for more than 63 years until his death in 1992.

Her son, Lionel Bennett, who sadly died of cancer a few years ago, became the town's first Labour mayor for 50 years back in 1991.

Gwen also worked in the school meals service, retiring as supervisor at Glenmoor School after 20 years of service, and is a lifelong member of the Salvation Army.

Lively Gwen, who has three surviving sons, 11 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, puts her long life down to living simply, not smoking or drinking and working hard.

Gwen, whose mind is still razor sharp, said: "We always lived very simply. We only had £6 a week.

"It was hard work and not much money but plenty of fun and laughter.

"I live on my own and I do all my own cooking and my son comes and cleans once a week.

"I do a lot of knitting and I go to the Salvation Army four days a week."

Relaxing in a chair, Gwen joked that her birthday was one of the rare occasions she had sat still.

She joked: "I've been round with the carpet sweeper already this morning and I get up at half six and go round the house. I don't usually sit here like this.

"I've got a lovely family and I don't want for anything. I've really enjoyed today. Even the milkman sent me a card and the window cleaner bought me flowers."

First published: September 6