"KEEPING busy" has been the key to a long life for a Bradford woman who celebrated her 100th birthday.

Lily Tattersall, who now lives at Lister House Nursing Home in Heaton, celebrated her milestone birthday today (Monday) with family, friends, and staff and residents at the nursing home.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lily Tattersall with the staff at Lister House Nursing Home in Heaton.Lily Tattersall with the staff at Lister House Nursing Home in Heaton. (Image: Newsquest)

Lily's son, John Tattersall, of Eldwick, said the celebration of his mum's birthday, which came complete with a cake, buffet, banners, and balloons, "went splendidly" and had "everything you could imagine".

"She didn't want any fuss, but on the day she absolutely loved it," said John, who said his mum received a special card from The King.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lily Tattersall with her family.Lily Tattersall with her family. (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Tattersall was born Lily Widdop in Low Moor, but she lived nearly all her life in Wyke.

She was educated at Wyke Modern School and left at the age of 14.

As a mill worker, she was sent to work at a munitions factory, which John said she enjoyed.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lily Tattersall when she was younger.Lily Tattersall when she was younger. (Image: Newsquest)

Lily had two children - John and Jean - with her husband Charlie, whom she married on June 4, 1947. She has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

"She quite resilient," said John. "She's always kept herself busy which I think was the key to her long life.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lily Tattersall with her husband Charlie.Lily Tattersall with her husband Charlie. (Image: Newsquest)

Lily also worked as a catering assistant at Shirley Manor School in Wyke and a domestic assistant at Beaconsfield Road Children's Home in Clayton before retiring in 1983.