Gossip and strawberries help Martha to reach 100

Mrs Inch, who still enjoys a good gossip despite reaching her milestone birthday, yesterday met the West Lothian Provost.

Today she is enjoying a party for family and friends at her care home, Redmill Care Centre, in East Whitburn.

Mrs Inch – maiden name Fletcher – was born on 26 May, 1910 in Auchenheath, Lanarkshire.

She was the daughter of Agnes and John, who worked as a gardener and was awarded the Horticultural Scottish Cup three years in a row.

She had three sisters, Jean, who was two years older than her, and twins Nan and Chris, who were two years younger.

After growing up in Auchenheath, Mrs Inch moved to a flat in Hamilton aged 18 to take up her nursing training. She then moved to Motherwell, followed by a move to Paisley, where she married her husband Bill in 1941.

Despite not getting married until she was 31, Mrs Inch had known her husband all her life as he was the brother of her best friend at school.

The couple moved to Blackburn, West Lothian, where they lived for the rest of their life together and had three daughters – Elspeth, 67, Margaret, 63, and Marion, 60.

Mrs Inch was a much-valued member of her community who took up much volunteering work. Over the years she was President of the Women's Guild, at Blackburn Parish Church, and headed a social club.

Mrs Inch's daughter, Margaret, who is heading today's celebrations, said: "She was very much a community woman who had a lot of friends.

"Mum was always up for a good gossip and there were few occasions when the kettle wasn't boiling.

"The door was always open to anyone who fancied a cup of tea. She was also fun to be around and loved taking us on picnics. Her favourite thing was to make a batch of strawberry and sugar sandwiches and take us to Bathgate Park. Now they are a family favourite and we'll always have them."

Mrs Inch's husband, Bill, died in 1970, and she kept active and was independent until she moved into the care home at the age of 95. Mrs Inch still enjoys chatting and remembering the past, a strawberry sandwich and a good cup of tea.

Her family often visit, including six grandchildren, Allison, 38, Ena, 35, Jennifer, 30, Valerie, 27, Pamela, 28 and Kenneth, 25.

The party was organised by Redmill Care Centre.