THERE were celebrations at The Orchard Care Home in Tullibody last week as one of the residents marked their 100th birthday.

Family and dignitaries gathered to celebrate with Netta Forbes, who will officially become a centenarian on January 19.

In recognition of the incredible milestone in her life, a special event was organised for Netta, with everyone who attended doing their part to make things special for her.

As well as family, friends and care home staff, the provost Tina Murphy and Clacks deputy lieutenant Margaret Paterson also stopped by.

Her daughter, Irene, 74, told the Advertiser: "It's hard to believe that she's got to 100, but she certainly doesn't look it.

"She's had a very fit, healthy lifestyle because she didn't smoke or drink, and was a keen walker and gardener.

"We think that's what's kept her going mainly is her healthy lifestyle."

Netta was brought up in Sauchie with her brother John, and sisters Jean, Betty and Rena.

Her father ran a barber's shop, and growing up she can remember helping to soap the men's faces before they had a shave.

After leaving school Netta went to work at Paton's Mill in Alloa, where she recalls early morning starts over the Sunnyside Brae to start work on time.

Netta married her husband John on January 28, 1939, and the day after their wedding the pair were on a train to move to London so he could take up a new job.

During their time there World War Two broke out, and so they returned to Alloa, and set up their home on North Street.

John and Netta's first daughter, Jane, was born in 1941 and their second, Irene, in 1944.

Her family has grown a lot since then, and Netta now has four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Netta kept active, and was a keen gardener and walker - even walking to Tullibody in snowy winters for her job as an insurance collector.

Netta's family think it's her active lifestyle over the years that has kept her going since 1919.

Fiona Johnston, home manager at The Orchard, added: "Netta came here in October 2016.

"It's wonderful having someone of her age; what they can talk about and the experiences they can share with the other residents and with staff are amazing.

"When you think of the changes from when she was a young child to the age she is now, the world has developed and changed and it's phenomenal."