WHEN she was a little girl, horse and traps were a common sight on the streets on any market town.And as she prepared to celebrate her 100th birthday, Gladys Williams was able to round off her weekly shop in style as she cadged a lift home on one of the classic carriages.

WHEN she was a little girl, horse and traps were a common sight on the streets on any market town.

And as she prepared to celebrate her 100th birthday, Gladys Williams was able to round off her weekly shop in style as she cadged a lift home on one of the classic carriages.

But, apart from the unexpected ride home in style, it was business as usual for the spritely Mrs Williams as she went about

her weekly shopping at the butchers and grocers.

The centenarian celebrated her birthday on Saturday at a special tea party with friends in Aylsham.

The former teacher moved to Aylsham 28 years ago, when she and her husband fell in love with the county.

She said: “We came for four days and then bought a bungalow. I have loved it here; I have always been made to feel very welcome.”

As she collected her regular meat order, from Coxfords in Aylsham Market Place, there were congratulations from all the staff and bit of a giggle as Mrs Williams revealed her secret to a long and healthy life - a bottle of sherry a week.

Butcher Allan Payne said: “She always comes in here with a smile and you would never really think she was 100.

“We always enjoy a laugh and a joke when she comes in.”