A CENTENARIAN has been given a lifetime achievement award following her 103rd birthday.

Nell Hall, who is a resident at the Colne View care home on Dame Mary Walk, Halstead, celebrated her landmark birthday and as well as cards, she received a special honour.

Nell used to be a Red Cross nurse and spent her big day enjoying cake baked by the care home and having visits from family.

But the former nurse says she is delighted after receiving a a lifetime achievement award from the British Red Cross.

Nell said: “I can’t believe I am 103, it doesn’t feel like it at all.

“I was very surprised to have received the award from the British Red Cross, I feel quite overwhelmed – it was lovely.”

Nell became a junior member of the British Red Cross when she was just 12 years old in 1930.

She later became a senior member and, over the years, has supported with the charity’s nursing efforts, as well as helping regularly with blood donations and fundraising.

Nell was born in Stansted just before the end of the First World War.

She moved to Rickling in Essex when she was three years old.

At the age of 15, Nell left school to become a nanny to the children of a Harley Street doctor, but returned home after just a few months to help her mother care for her sick father and her siblings.

During the Second World War, Nell worked in a factory, where she met her husband, Ted.

They moved to Halstead in 1951 and had two daughters, Susan and Elizabeth. She also has a grandson, Mark and two great-grandchildren, Eleanor and William.

Kim Richardson, senior customer relations manager at Colne View, added: “Everyone had a brilliant time celebrating Nell’s 103rd birthday, and we were all especially thrilled to see her receive the award.

“We know how much the charity means to Nell, and how much time she has contributed to helping others throughout her life.

“This is a huge achievement, and one that’s incredibly special to Nell. We couldn’t be prouder to have her as part of our Colne View family.”