SPRIGHTLY Gerty Singleton raised a glass or two of champers in a surprise celebration for her 100th birthday.

Gerty, of Portishead, was surrounded by 36 close family and friends at a bash held at the Phoenix Wine Bar in the town.

The centenarian, who worked as a seamstress for the NHS for more than 20 years and is a member of the organisation’s retirement fellowship, was ‘thrilled to bits’ to receive her card from the Queen and a telegram from the secretary of state for work and pensions, Iain Duncan-Smith.

Friend Jackie Culliford, who helped organise the party, said: “Gerty is amazing for her years and she thoroughly enjoyed it.

“People gave her bouquets and she had four birthday cakes altogether.”

Her daughter, Lesley Sandford, said: “She had a lovely day and it was a big surprise to her to have the party.

“She says her recipe for longevity is her positive attitude to life, a great sense of humour and a close, loving family.”

Gerty, who hails from the Wirral, in Merseyside but has lived in Portishead for 15 years, has two children, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.