IT was party time for Renfrewshire’s latest centenarian as she celebrated the landmark by enjoying a singsong with family and friends.

Renfrew woman Mary Young was joined by loved ones from all over Scotland at Littleinch Care Home, Inchinnan, on Saturday to mark her 100th birthday in style.

The partygoers enjoyed a church service in the morning before staff put on an afternoon of entertainment for all ages.

Becky Conway, one of Mary’s great-nieces, told The Gazette: “We could not have wished for a nicer aunt.

“Aunt Mary has a sweet nature, good sense of humour, loves her family, children and animals, singing, the colour pink and sparkly jewellery.

“A church service was held in the nursing home, followed by a tea party with residents, staff and family, with a live singer and birthday cake. A congratulatory message from the Queen was also read out.

The Gazette:

“Aunt Mary particularly enjoyed watching the jiving, having a singsong and enjoying the sausage rolls and sweeties.

“She also blew out her birthday candles herself, which is quite an achievement at the age of 100.”

Renfrew has been at the heart of Mary’s life, as she grew up in Orchard Street before later moving to Lobnitz Avenue.

She attended Blythswood School and then Renfrew High.

Becky continued: “She had three brothers and all of them loved playing with the animals in a nearby field.

“They would visit their grandparents in Inkerman at the schoolhouse and, in Glasgow, they had an auntie who owned a sweetie shop, which gave her a lifetime love of sweets and chocolate. She even worked in a sweetie shop.

“Mary was a beautiful singer, often performing at church concerts and socials and at Renfrew bandstand.”

It was also in the town’s Baptist Church that Mary met husband Willie, with the pair later having a son, named Douglas.

Becky said: “As committed Christians, the church remained an integral part of their lives throughout. They also shared a lifelong love of walking. Willie sadly passed away around 20 years ago.”