A FORMER Ulverston carnival queen was lavished with gifts and good wishes from friends and family as she celebrated her hundredth birthday in style.

Florence Knox saw in the milestone birthday on November 20 at a packed party in Station View, Holker Street, complete with a customised cake made by daughter Paulette Woodhouse and a brass band belting out her favourite tunes.

She said: "I don't feel a hundred - my memory is still remarkable.

"My best present is everyone being here, you just couldn't ask for anything more.

"I think the secret to a long and happy life is hard work."

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The belle of the ball was even sent a special happy birthday message from her favourite TV judge, Craig Revel Horwood, from Strictly Come Dancing.

Guests were treated to a performance by South Cumbria Retirement Band who played classics such as Sweet Caroline, and memories from Cats, at the party.

After happy birthday was sung to the guest of honour, Mrs Knox shared the limelight by presenting flowers to Station View staff, Ashley and Jane, who also celebrated their birthdays.

Born in Ulverston, Mrs Knox was brought up in Cox Street and became carnival queen in 1931.

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She married her late husband Tom in 1940 and the pair had to bring their wedding forward by a week after Mr Knox was conscripted.

They would go on to have three children, Paulette and twins Robert and Michael.

"My husband was called up and he was there from June to March but was invalided and came home.

"The day I was married France capitulated," she added.

Mrs Knox sadly lost her twin boys, former Barrow AFC players, six and 11 years ago but is a grandmother to seven and a great-grandmother to seven.

Another birthday party for the centenarian is taking place on Saturday at Abbey House in Barrow and Mrs Knox is determined to show off her new beaded dress and walk into the venue unaided.