THE widow of a former Isle of Ely chief inspector celebrates her 100th birthday today.

Catherine Mary (Molly) Goodenough will celebrate the occasion with fellow residents of Clovelly House in March.

Mrs Goodenough was born in Bromyard, Herefordshire, but her family moved to Wisbech when she was young.

She attended St Augustine’s School and, after leaving, worked for the Scotch wool shop (now Edinburgh Woollen Mill). She eventually became one of the chain’s youngest store managers.

She met police officer Herbert Goodenough aged 21 and they married in 1938 at St Augustine’s Church. The couple moved to Ely, where Mr Goodenough was stationed at the time, and together they had a daughter, Patricia.

Shortly after the Second World War the family moved to March when Mr Goodenough was relocated. Mr Goodenough died in 2004.

Mrs Goodenough lived with her daughter for a short time before moving to Clovelly House, in Station Road, four years ago.

Patricia said: “I think it’s a marvellous achievement for mum to reach 100 but she says she hasn’t done anything significant.

“She keeps her mind active - she is very interested in what’s going on around the town and she knits soft toys.”