One of Dudley's oldest residents, Brenda Griffin, has recently celebrated her 100th birthday at New Bradley Hall Residential Home in Kingswinford.

Mrs Griffin, born July 19, 1924, is the daughter of William and Mary Harris, and grew up in Park Road, Netherton, with her two brothers, Ray and Bill.

During World War II, Mrs Griffin relocated to Donnington, Shropshire for war work, only returning after the conflict ended.

Following her return, she began working at Boots in Dudley in 1946, where she enjoyed a 39-year-long career before retiring in 1985.

Aged 30, Mrs Griffin married Ben Griffin, a former neighbour from Park Road and an ambulance driver for Dudley.

Brenda and Ben on their wedding dayBrenda and Ben on their wedding day (Image: Brenda Griffin)

While the couple did not have any children, they treasured spending time with nieces, nephews, and the children of friends.

Sadly, Mr Griffin passed away in 2002.

Having moved into New Bradley Hall in 2022, a spokesperson for the care home said: "Brenda enjoys singing and is often heard humming a happy tune over the breakfast table.

"Her smile is infectious, and she is a lovely happy lady. Brenda enjoys attending afternoon teas and entertainment that the home provides."

Her milestone birthday was marked with a card from the King and Queen, and a deluge of well-wishes, gifts and cards from friends, former colleagues, neighbours, and staff at New Bradley Hall.

Overwhelmed, Mrs Griffin could hardly believe all the fuss was for her.

A delightful party was organised at her residential home by her friend of 58 years, Eileen Brown.

Ms Brown and Mrs Griffin have been inseparable since they started working together at Boots in 1966.

The numerous lifelong friends celebrating Mrs Griffin's birthday bear testament to her enduring charm.

Mrs Griffin, according to Ms Brown, found happiness leading a simple life, abstaining from luxuries while deriving pleasure from helping others.