A FORMER Pilkingtons worker celebrated her 100th birthday – by enjoying a bite to eat with former school pals.

Mary Nicholson – nicknamed ‘Polly’ – marked her big day on Monday, January 12 in at her St Helens by partying with neighbours, friends and family, along with the traditional Queen’s card and telegram.

But Mary, who lives alone and remains independent, also enjoyed going out for a meal with chums who she became friends with some 90 years ago.

Mary, was born in Crank Street in 1915 and had two siblings, Annie and John. Her parents both died when she was young, with her father Murdoch Nicholson dying shortly after serving in the First World War, where he was the target of a gas attack.

Mary initially worked at a post office next to the Red Cat pub before going on to work at a grocery shop on Park Road.

“She remembers from the First World War when a man came home,” says Mary’s niece Jean Humphreys. “It was her dad, but she didn’t know who he was.

“Her mum died when she was five so her step mum Annie Johnson looked after the family.

“During World War II the Second World War she could remember the Zzeppelin going over and a bomb hitting a field towards Kings Moss.

“She started at Pilkingtons working in the canteen in 1963 and is now a Pilks pensioner and received a bouquet from them on her birthday.

“Her birthday was great. She received the Queen’s card, a telegram from Iain Duncan Smith and the neighbours popped in for sandwiches and cake.

“We went out for a meal at the Micklehead and some of her friends came from Crank that she still remembers from school!”

Celebrations for Mary’s landmark birthday continued the following Saturday with more than 100 people turning out for a party that was held at the Bishop Road Police Club.