DESPITE being a heavy smoker for most of her life, Skipton woman Edna Ridd celebrates her 100th birthday tomorrow (Saturday).

Mrs Ridd told the Herald she never thought she would make her century, but that working hard throughout her life had stood her in good stead.

She certainly does not attribute her longevity to any particular health regime - in fact she was a heavy smoker up until six years ago. She kicked the habit after breaking her leg in 2000.

Although suffering problems with her sight and hearing, she still manages to live in her own home.

Mrs Ridd was born on Queen Street and was one of 10 children in the Haigh family.

She went to Brougham Street School until she was 13 and still lives in the Middletown area of town.

Mrs Ridd said: "My mother said she would keep me at home as long as she could but she couldn't afford to so I said 'I will try and get on myself'."

She found herself a job in the balling room at John Dewhurst's mill and worked there until she married, William, in 1924. He was a lamplighter but went on to be caretaker at Skipton Town Hall.

Mrs Ridd also worked at the town hall, taking coats for the Saturday dances and made sandwiches for the drama festival.

The couple had four children - Joan and Peter have since died, but Dorothy is now 74 and Bill, 65.

Mrs Ridd had to return to work while bringing up her children as her husband was abroad fighting for his country.

Mr Ridd died in 1982 and she has lived alone since then.

But she told the Herald: "I have always looked at it this way, I have tried to look after myself but there may come a time when I may go into a home."

Mrs Ridd, who was once a keen knitter and regular church-goer, has 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and eight great great-grandchildren.

There will, therefore, be no shortage of people at her birthday party, at the Three Links.