Celebrating her 100th birthday on Friday was well-known Tenby resident Elsie Breadnam.

Elsie Louisa White was born on November 2, 1912, in Amington, near Tamworth, Staffordshire. She was the second youngest of seven children born to Alfred and Louisa White.

She left school at the age of 14 and started work at Bradleys, a menswear factory where many local women worked. She worked at Bradleys for almost 12 years, before deciding to become a nurse. However, her nursing training was cut short by her marriage to Robert Breadnam in December 1938.

Robert Breadnam was a regular soldier and consequently they lived in various places. Their daughters Pamela and Elaine were born in 1940 and 1941. The family moved to the Tenby area in 1951 when Robert Breadnam was appointed a captain at the Firing Range at Manorbier. Sadly, Robert Breadnam died in 1961, soon after his retirement from the Army.

Throughout the 60 years she has been in Tenby, Mrs. Breadnam has been dedicated to St. Mary's Church and a stalwart of the Mothers' Union. She has worked tirelessly for charitable causes, including Tenby Lifeboat and Barnardos. In 1987, she was presented with a certificate of outstanding service to Barnardos and met Princess Diana at Chatsworth House. She has served on the committees of the Conservative Party and Friends of Tenby Hospital. She was for many years an employee of T. P. Hughes.

Mrs. Breadnam leads an active life. She plays whist twice a week and enjoys spending time with her two daughters, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was a regular at 'gentle exercise' until well into her '90s.

Ninety friends and family attended a tea party organised by the Mothers' Union at Church House to celebrate her centenary.

The Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Trevor Hallett, presented her with a scroll on behalf of the town council.

In lieu of presents, Mrs. Breadnam asked for donations and the party raised £750 for Barnardos.

Mrs. Breadnam's motto is 'life is what you make it' and this she has placed on a plaque on her seat outside Church House.