Clara's on song for 100th birthday

Clara Derry of Walsall has always enjoyed a sing and a dance, and although her health meant she was forced to stop dancing, she certainly was not about to give up singing.

Her only son, Malcolm, aged 61, who lives in Pelsall but runs a bar in Mallorca, Spain, came to the bash yesterday at Ash Grange Nursing Home in Valley Road, Blakenall, to celebrate his mother's centenary. She wasted no time in picking up the microphone and singing to her family and friends.

"She's the only survivor out of her and her four siblings," said Malcolm.

"I really don't know what it is that means she's lived so long, she would probably say luck. She has never smoked and doesn't drink much.

"She says she's not going anywhere yet."

Mrs Derry grew up in Blakenall, met and married her late husband, John, known as Jack, who died of a stroke in 1977.

She has twin grandchildren, Claire Smith and Scott Derry, 34, and two great grandchildren, Samuel Smith, four, and Niamh Derry, 10 months.

Claire joked: "She always sings, whether you want her to or not. She's always been full of life."I would describe her as jolly and smiley."

Clara worked as a cleaner at Green Rock Primary in Mersey Road, Blakenall when Malcolm started school.