A woman who served as Royal Signals switchboard operator during the Second World War has celebrated her 106th birthday.
Muriel Ricketts, was surrounded by family, friends and carers at Westbury Care Home for the milestone occasion, at which she received a birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, in 1920, Muriel grew up in a large family and has many happy memories of her childhood, including working on the allotments with her father and singing with her family around the piano at Christmas.
After the outbreak of the Second World War, Muriel joined the Royal Signals and trained as a switchboard operator. She was stationed at locations across England before being posted to Egypt shortly before the end of the war.
Away from her wartime service, Muriel enjoyed going on motorbike holidays with her lifelong friend, Trudy.
She married her husband, Wilfred Ricketts, in 1968, and the couple were married for 34 years. Muriel has a stepson, Ken, who is nearly 80, as well as two step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
Reflecting on her 106th birthday, Muriel said: “I believe the secret to a long life is a happy family life and keeping fit. We never had a car, so we had to walk everywhere, which must have done us some good in the long run.
“I still make sure I can appreciate something new each day, whether through the activities, chatting to the friendly carers, or watching the birds and squirrels outside my window.
“It was lovely to celebrate my birthday with all those who are special to me, and I’m so grateful to the caring team here at Westbury Care Home for making the day so wonderful.”