A FORMER factory worker has marked her 100th birthday.

Dolly Wheeler turned 100 on Thursday at Down Hall Residential Home in Bradwell-on-Sea surrounding by family and friends.

A special party organised by the home and her family took place on the day.

Dolly lived through both world wars having been born in 1916 in Plaistow in London.

She never met her father who was killed in the First World War and was brought up by her mother and stepfather.

Dolly spent time working in a tobacco factory and also in the Gibbs toothpaste factory.

She later married her husband Arthur, who was a coal merchant, and had sons Ray and Terry.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

> Dolly with vice chairman of Maldon District Council Henry Bass

After Arthur’s death Dolly lived independently until last year when she moved to Down Hall.

Her daughter-in-law Lynda said: “She loved ballroom dancing and used to go out dancing most weeks.

“She also loved cycling.

“She has a glass of red wine every day as a doctor once recommended it and she has stuck by it and doesn’t let anyone forget a doctor told her that.”

Dolly enjoyed a special tea party, cake and music on her big day.

Lynda added: “She is a very happy lady who loves a laugh.

“She doesn’t have a bad bone in her body. She is a really loving lady.”