CELEBRATING their centenaries were three of Fenland s well-known residents when they attended parties to mark their 100th birthdays. Margaret Dobson joined family and friends from as far afield at Chester, Bognor Regis, Colchester and parts of Suffolk to

CELEBRATING their centenaries were three of Fenland's well-known residents when they attended parties to mark their 100th birthdays.

Margaret Dobson joined family and friends from as far afield at Chester, Bognor Regis, Colchester and parts of Suffolk to mark her special day today.

Mrs Dobson, who lives at Heron Court in March, was born in East London and lived there until her home was destroyed in the Second World War.

She moved to Bognor Regis, in West Sussex, for a couple of years and moved to March in 1947.

She lived in Henson Road between 1967 and 2004, when she moved to Jubilee Court and then to Heron Court two years ago.

Mrs Dobson was married to George who sadly died more than 30 years ago.

Chatteris resident Alice Martin unfortunately had to celebrate her birthday in hospital after she fell and broke her hip.

Family members joined her at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely on Friday to celebrate her milestone birthday.

Her daughter Jean said: "Mum enjoyed a very happy childhood as part of a family of six children. On leaving school she went into service for a family doctor.

"She then met George, her late husband, and was married for 53 years."

The couple had four children, Elsie, Janet, Jean and the late Maurice. Among those visiting at the weekend were some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

"Her family has been the important thing to her," said Jean. "After she retired she joined George on the bowling green, which they both enjoyed, and her garden was a hobby for her.

"She has always enjoyed good health until this recent fall."

Former March resident Rose Martin, who lived in the town for 74 years, celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday with a party at the retirement home where she now lives.

Friends and family joined in the celebrations at the home, near Newmarket.

A proof reader on the Cambs Times for 34 years, Mrs Martin attended March High School, where she was editor of the Old Girls' Association newsletter.

She later became secretary of March Ladies' Liberal Association when Clement Freud won the then Isle of Ely parliamentary seat from the Conservatives.

Mrs Martin married Fred in March Baptist Church in 1932 and they were together for 60 years before his death in 1992.

Rose has two children, Richard who lives in Isleham, and Diana who lives on Malta's Gozo Island, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.