A GRAN from Runcorn who loved dancing has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Elsie Irving has been stepping out at the sequence dance club at Grangeway Community Centre for 40 years.

The mum-of-two, from Grangeway, shared a tea party with her friends at the club to mark her milestone achievement

Elsie was born in Liverpool and was one of nine children.

She married her late husband Albert in 1940 when she was 22.

The couple were separated by 200 miles during their courtship as Albert worked in an aircraft factory in Surrey.

But their relationship proved stronger than the barrier between them.

Love blossomed and they went on to celebrate their diamond wedding.

Son Allan, 77, of Windsor Grove, said: "Mum and dad enjoyed nothing more than attending their sequence dance club.

"Sadly dad passed away in 2002 and mum lost her lifelong partner who she was married to for 65 years.

"Mum continued to dance and has now been a member for just over 40 years."

Elsie looked after Allan and his brother, Ken, while Albert fought in the Second World War for five years.

The couple then moved to Runcorn where Albert was offered a job at ICI.

Elsie worked as a supervisor at Express Transformers on Picow Farm Road for 20 years.

In 1956, Ken, now 75, emigrated to Australia and still lives out there.

"Mum has visited Ken in Australia three times," said Allan.

"She has great stamina and still lives independently in a bungalow. She is marvellous for her age. Her blood pressure is perfect.

"She likes to do things herself before she will ask someone.

"She is an incredible woman and we love her dearly."

Elsie has five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.