KEEN knitter Blanche Day from Cirencester celebrated turning 100 at a party with 46 members of her large family.

Raised in Plymouth, Mrs Day moved to Cirencester 11 years ago after her husband Kenneth died. Previously living in Cirencester's Barclay Court, she has recently moved to Elm Grove Nursing Home.

Mrs Day celebrated her milestone birthday with a big meal at the Corinium Hotel. A total of 52 people attended the party, 46 of whom were family. Some had travelled from Denmark and Ireland for the special day.

After the party she said: "I have enjoyed every minute of today."

Her daughter Jennifer Hopegood said her mother had been in hospital after a fall, and doctors had let her out for the day to enjoy the party.

"She loved it," said Jennifer. "The cake was fantastic. It was all edible, and designed like a basket with balls of wool, buttons and knitting needles."

A former dressmaker at Pophums in Plymouth, Mrs Day knitted for every single one of her grandchildren and great grandchildren when they were born.

"She made my wedding dress," added Jennifer. "She was a wonderful dressmaker but she cannot knit anymore, as she is almost blind. When she used to come round the children would ask 'Grandma, why aren't you knitting?'"

Mrs Day was also part of the Mothers Union for 50 years and received an award for her long service. She is also a member of the Holy Trinity Church in Watermoor, Cirencester, where she has lots of friends.

She has four children, twins Jennifer and Barry - Barry died in 2009 - and Christopher and Kenneth, the youngest named after his late father. She also has eight grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Her youngest great-grandchild is two-year-old Mikah.