A woman who used to keep Ely Cathedral spick and span as a Martha is celebrating her 100th birthday.

Phyllis Poole will be surrounded by friends and family at The Gables care home in Chatteris as she raises a glass to celebrate her big day.

One of her great grandsons is even flying from Australia to join the family.

Patricia Kreyer, her daughter, said: “She is an amazing mum, very practical and a very independent woman. She doesn’t look her age.

“She used to make all her own clothes, grow vegetables, all home baking and cooking, she is still very well today and thinks she is 50 not 100!”

Phyllis was born in Bury St Edmunds then grew up and spent her early married life in Wisbech.

In 1944 she and her late husband Rupert moved to the Ely area when he took up a post as head teacher of Stretham School.

In the 1950s he became the headteacher of Fordham School.

In 1970 Rupert retired and the couple moved to a home they built in Ely where she lived until moving to the Chatteris home two years ago.

Phyllis was very involved with Ely Cathedral and was a member of its flower guild .

She was one of the first women on the admissions desk when the cathedral brought in paid entry.

She was a Martha at the cathedral from 1975 to the 1990s and a life-long member of the Friends of Ely Cathedral.

Phyllis travelled extensively in latter years, enjoying many cruise ship adventures with friends, and only called it a day at the age of 85.

Joining her at her birthday celebration will be her daughter Patricia, two sons Stuart and Melvyn Poole along with grandchildren, great grandchildren and residents of The Gables.