A PENSIONER has celebrated her 100th birthday by asking for donations to be sent to charity rather than be given presents because of her love for children.

Winifred Oliver, of Cranham Rest Home, Cranham Drive, Warndon, Worcester, held two birthday parties, raising £600 that will be sent to Acorns Children's Hospice Trust.

The charity is currently attempting to raise the final £550,000 of the £4m it needs to complete a new hospice in Worcester, which is currently being built near the city centre, in Bath Road.

The hospice, which will care for more than 250 life-limited children from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, is due to be complete by next month, opening its doors to families early next year.

Winifred said when she discovered the work of the charity she knew she wanted her birthday celebrations to help raise cash for the cause.

"I love children and I think Acorns does a wonderful job for them," said Winifred, who has four children, three of whom have passed away, a foster son, 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and another due any day now.

Winifred, who turned 100 on Thursday, October 7, was born in Surrey but settled in Worcester with her late husband Frederick and worked as a cook for a host of people, including a solicitor, a school for training nannies and a transport caf in Kempsey.

She showed off her 90 birthday cards - including one from the Queen and a telegram - when she had a party at her rest home on the day of her birthday.

She had a second party on Sunday, October 9, which was attended by more than 100 relatives and friends, and handed over her cheque to Acorns on Monday.

Asked what the secret was to a long and happy life, Winifred replied: "Having a loving family around you and surrounding yourself with children keeps you feeling young."

Anyone wishing to hold a party for Acorns, no matter the occasion, should call the charity for a party pack on 01905 767676.