LIFE-long Royston resident Kathleen Dodkin has celebrated her 100th birthday. Kathleen became 100 on Saturday and enjoyed a party with family, friends, and residents of Richard Cox House residential home in Royston. Her son, Colin Freeman, said: She had

LIFE-long Royston resident Kathleen Dodkin has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Kathleen became 100 on Saturday and enjoyed a party with family, friends, and residents of Richard Cox House residential home in Royston.

Her son, Colin Freeman, said: "She had a good day and got plenty of cards and presents.

We had a bit of a party with a champagne toast."

Born in Gower Road in 1908, Kathleen has lived in Royston all her life.

Her long association with Bassingbourn Barracks began when she was employed as a secretary for the contractors building the site in 1936

After becoming the organist at the barracks in 1950, she held the position for more than 50 years.

Her work was recognised in the 1999 New Year's honours list, where she was given the MBE for services to the Army Training Regiment at Bassingbourn.

She said at the time: "I'm over the moon, it hasn't sunk in yet. I never dreamed of this happening."

A long time member of the Royston Writers Circle and a former Crow reporter, Kathleen wrote a book, Wartime Reminiscences, recounting her experiences during the Second World War.

She is also passionate about animals, and was a long-time RSPCA activist.

She was married to Kenneth, who died 40 years ago, and has two grand-daughters and one great grandson.

Mr Freeman added: "Mum spent many years as part of the Townswomen's Guild, and a lot of her friends came to the party, which I think she was really pleased about.