A WOMAN who has dedicated her life to the Salvation Army has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Margaret Warburton, who lives at Colne View care home off Colchester Road, Halstead, was joined by her friends and family during a special meal to mark her birthday.

Despite reaching three figures, Ms Warburton has been quick to downplay her age and spoke warmly of her celebrations.

She said: “I wouldn’t call it a great achievement. I don’t think there are really any secrets to living a long life.

“I had a good day with my family all around me and we had some lovely food.”

Instead of receiving presents for her 100th birthday, Ms Warburton asked for donations to be made towards the Salvation Army’s residential school in Thika, Kenya.

The gesture is a classic example of her dedication to the Salvation Army which has been a big part of her life ever since she was born to ministers from the charity in 1917.

Ms Warburton was born in East London and apart from spending some of her childhood in Wales and Grimsby, she has spent much of her life in the capital.

She grew up to become a Salvation Army minister like her parents but was forced to leave the role for health reasons and went on to work for BT, where she was a lecturer in their training department.

Her interests include playing the piano, which has been a lifelong hobby ever since her mother taught her as a child.

She added: “I enjoy playing the piano. It reminds me of my mother and is a lovely way to relax.”