Manchester United fan celebrates her 100th birthday with a host of special events

CENTENARIAN Phyllis Evans was treated like a VIP on Saturday for her special birthday and the keen Manchester United fan is celebrating her 100th year at the same time as the club's Old Trafford ground

First stop for Manchester born Mrs Evans was VIP Hair in Walsoken where everyone sang Happy Birthday as she blew out the candle on a birthday cake to mark the big day.

Salon owner Linda Pepper introduced Mrs Evans to the salon's youngest client, William Burgess aged just 14 months.

Linda said: "It was wonderful to see the two of them together. Mrs Evans has always been a popular visitor to the salon and we have often talked about her reaching her centenary from soon after she had her 90th birthday party."

Then it was on to Mendis in Wisbech for a party with family and friends who had travelled from as far afield as Australia, Manchester and Gorleston to help Mrs Evans celebrate.

Daughter Christine Venni came from Australia where she has lived since 1968 especially for the occasion. Her other daughter Susan Evison said: "Mum thoroughly enjoyed her party and having the chance to chat and talk over old times with people."

Mrs Evans met her husband George in Manchester during wartime. The couple married and came back to live in Wisbech where George came from. George died in 1986.

Mrs Evans worked at Orchard Products and later Padleys until her retirement aged 60.

She lives independently at her home in Holmes Drive, Wisbech, with help from her family. She also attends the St Augustine's Care Club where she enjoys meeting others.

Mrs Evison said: "She has a marvellous long term memory and can talk about the war and other things as if it was yesterday. She was born within site of the Manchester United football ground and is still a keen supporter of the team.