A WOLLASTON woman, who served in the British Army during the Second World War, has celebrated her 102nd birthday.

Edith Raybold, of Bridgnorth Road, marked the milestone on Sunday March 19.

To celebrate the occasion, members of Kingswinford Royal British Legion stopped by to wish her a happy birthday.

Stourbridge News: Edith Raybold, with members of Kingswinford Royal British Legion, l-r, Tim Cartwright, Les Arrowsmith and Bob TownsendEdith Raybold, with members of Kingswinford Royal British Legion, l-r, Tim Cartwright, Les Arrowsmith and Bob Townsend (Image: Bob Townsend / Kingswinford Royal British Legion)

The visit was arranged by carer turned friend Hayley Tibble.

Edith, who was born and bred in Wollaston, served at the British Army headquarters in Yorkshire during the war and was awarded the Defence and Victory medals for her service.

She and her female colleagues were employed mainly on administrative duties but gutsy Edith revealed they were more than willing to move to Normandy when the invasion started - until Prime Minister Winston Churchill refused to allow military females to join their male colleagues in battle.

After the war, Edith returned to Wollaston and has lived in the village ever since.

Bob Townsend, president of the Kingswinford Royal British Legion, described her as a “a truly remarkable lady”.