An “independent” centenarian celebrated her milestone birthday surrounded by friends and family in High Wycombe this week.

The sun shone as Winifred “Win” Wright marked her 100th birthday on Tuesday, August 23 in the garden of her High Wycombe home.

She was also treated to birthday balloons, banners and flowers, as well as a special birthday card from the Queen and a cake.

Maria Wright, Win’s daughter-in-law said the party was a “wonderful celebration.”

She said: “It was a lovely day. Lots of family, friends and neighbours stopped by to help her celebrate. We had birthday cake in the garden, it was a lovely day.

“Win is an independent lady, and much loved and admired.”

The centenarian grew up in Surrey but has lived in High Wycombe for much of her life. In 1942 she joined the WAAF to train as a barrage balloon operator, and her group were one of the first to take over a balloon site, as they had always been operated by men.

She started writing to Wal, a friend of her brother-in-law, whilst she was stationed in Liverpool and was later stationed at RAF West Drayton.

When she was demobbed in 1945 she married Wal and had three sons Wallace, Philip and Alan. Sadly Wal her husband and their eldest son Wallace have now passed away.

Wal worked as a chairmaker and Win’s priority was bringing up her three sons, and growing their own flowers, fruit and vegetables in their garden.