LOYAL Gazette reader Elsie Wheeler is making her own news headlines today after she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Elsie, who still lives in her own house in Wivenhoe, enjoyed her landmark birthday surrounded by friends and family, and even had a visit from Wivenhoe town crier Bob Needham, who gave a speech in her honour.

Elsie moved to Wivenhoe 25 years ago after marrying Roland Wheeler, a councillor and builder from the town.

The pair had been friends growing up together in Ely, but lost touch, aged 17, when Roland signed up for the Second World War.

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They both moved on to lead separate lives, with Elsie marrying and having three sons.

She joined the RAF in 1942 as a medical orderly before transferring to work as a cook until the end of the war.

Elsie won three medals for her service - a service medal, Bomber Command medal and a defence medal.

It wasn’t until nearly 60 years after Elsie and Roland lost touch that they met again at the funeral of one of Roland’s foster parents.

They rekindled their old friendship and became close, eventually marrying when they were 75 years old, after their respective partners had died.

Elsie has lived in Wivenhoe ever since and is still an active member of the community.

She was a standard bearer for the Royal British Legion, carrying the flag at Remembrance Sunday services.

A keen knitter, Elsie used to knit pieces of clothing for shops when she lived in Ely, still keeping up with her hobby to this day.

Son Keith Whiting, 76, added: “She is so strong.

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“She has survived breast cancer, as well as a fall that broke her neck but she is still going strong.

“It’s unbelievable. She is a remarkable lady with 20 great grandchildren.”

A daily reader of the Colchester Gazette, Elsie remains greatly interested in local affairs.

She also attends the Monday group at the community hall for tea and bingo, and never misses a meeting.