A FORMER Pilks canteen lady who has lived through both World Wars has reached another milestone as she celebrates her 107th birthday today.

Mary Nicholson, known by the nickname Polly, who lives at Elizabeth Court Care Home in Sutton, is marking her latest birthday on Wednesday, January 12.

The Star reported last year how she had endured a tough year, breaking her hip twice, undergoing major surgery and overcoming coronavirus ahead of her turning 106.

Unfortunately an outbreak of Covid at the home with Polly having tested positive, meant her family cannot be in the home with her for the big day.

But they are still planning to mark the occasion for her.

"She's had a quieter year this time, me and my sister Jean have been going in and seeing her," said niece Carole, 64.

"She is doing alright, she's not moving around as well due to her hips but she is doing OK.

"She's seen so much in her life, and it's not always been easy, she lived through both World Wars and now this pandemic, but she just carries on."

Born on January 12, 1915, Polly was just aged five when she lost her mum to diabetes.

She lived close to Carr Mill Dam, growing up in the 1920s with her two siblings and dad.

A few years later, after her dad remarried, the family moved to Crank Post Office where they provided residents with fresh bread, cakes and pastries that they baked on the premises.

She then went on to work in a shop on Park Road and in the canteen at Pilkington's Head Office until she retired.

St Helens Star:

Polly in her younger days holding her baby niece Jean

Polly has said she attributes her long life to "the full fat milk, cream and butter she was brought up on as well as the fresh air and exercise by walking everywhere, and in later life she enjoys her tipple of whisky at night time".

The family will honour the occasion with some balloons and cakes, standing outside the home to wish Polly a happy birthday.

"Family has always been a big part of her life," added Carole.

"She loves people going and in and having a talk."