Cumbria's Mary James celebrates 100th birthday with family

Mary James was born at Riddings Farm in Howgill on April 9 1924 to James and Annie Postlethwaite, and has since spent a long life devoted to Cumbria.

One of six siblings, Mary went to Howgill School until leaving at 14 when she went into service.

Four generations in one photo (Image: Carole Chapman)

One of Mary's grandchildren Carole Chapman was one of the many people who visited the centenarian to mark the special occasion.

Carole said: "Family and friends visited throughout the day on her birthday, where they enjoyed a buffet and good catch-up to celebrate."

Mary celebrating her 100th birthday earlier this month (Image: Carole Chapman)

Mary's life was dominated by a long-lasting marriage, which started when she met Ted James on a chance encounter that sparked a life-defining love.

The pair married on June 10 1950 and they ended up having two children together - Christine and Alan.

For over 30 years, they lived at Whetstone cottage in Preston Patrick where Mary looked after their small holding while Ted worked at Westmorland County Council.

Christine and Alan, Mary’s children (Image: Carole Chapman)

Upon retirement, the couple made the choice to move to Milnthorpe, which has been Mary's home since 1987.

Mary was not one to let her later years go by without merit and she joined the Evergreen Club and Milnthorpe Mothers Union to remain busy and to connect with the local community.

Ted died in 1995 and Mary still lives on her own in a bungalow, though she is well looked after by family and carers.

Mary’s oldest grandchildren, Richard and Carole (Image: Carole Chapman)

It was that family, including four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who came together to celebrate the landmark birthday.

And, if that and cake was not enough, Mary was even treated to a card from HRH King Charles III and Queen Camilla.