Former Utley florist Gertrude Woollard celebrated her 90th birthday this week with flowers, cake and cards.

Gertrude, a resident of Netherwood Residential Home, Skipton Road, Utley, was given a party on Wednesday by her friends, neighbours and the over 60s club from St Mark's church in the village.

As to reaching the big 90, she says: "I don't think about my age anymore. It's just another birthday but it's a good excuse for a party."

Gertrude ran the former George Sadler & Son florist shop on Skipton road for 30 years after moving to live at Cliffe Castle Tower in 1916 when her father was appointed head gardener at the castle. She was born near Pontefract.

She married Oakworth chiropodist Clifford Woollard in 1974. He died in 1980.

Now Gertrude likes nothing more than painting, making knitted dolls and going to her SHAPE exercise class once a week. She also loves flowers.

"I've been used to flowers all my life," she adds.

She has lived at Netherwood for the last four years.

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