Kettering's Ruby celebrates 100th birthday in style

A Daniel O'Donnell superfan from Kettering celebrated her 100th birthday with a personalised message from the singer.

Great-grandmother Ruby Millsop was delighted as she celebrated her centenary at Thorndale care home in Kettering with more than 50 friends, family and staff on January 19 with a spectacular cake.

Ruby was born in Northampton, before moving to Kettering in 1939, where she met her husband, David Johnstone Millsop, at a local dance.

The couple married in 1942 and had two sons, Stewart and Colin, together.

Formerly a radio operator Ruby also played an active role at Fuller Baptist Church, where she volunteered in the coffee shop into her 80s.

Now she has five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to keep her busy.

Teresa Taylor, home manager at the Malham Drive care home, said: “We had a fantastic time celebrating Ruby’s birthday, and the number of guests was testament to her wonderful character.

“Ruby says her secret to a long life is the good family surrounding her, who do their best to keep her young.

"We can certainly see this is the case - she has an infectious spirit and that means we all look forward to spending time with Ruby.”