THERE was a double celebration in Droitwich this week when two women turned 100 on the same day.

Well-known former bowls champion Hilda Keay and Wychbold resident Amy Johnson marked the major milestone on Monday (October 29).

Hilda Keay, from Harris Close, Droitwich, is known in the region after many years of playing lawn bowls for the county side and becoming the group’s president in 1977.

She also worked as a secretary of Droitwich Spa Area Forum for Older People and spent many hours helping the organisation.

The centenarian was born in Selly Oak and lived in Bournville for many years before moving to Droitwich. She met and married Thomas Keay and the pair had four children.

Mrs Keay celebrated turning 100 with family and friends at a meal at the Crown and Sandys in Ombersley on Monday night. She also received a letter from the Queen to mark the achievement.

She said: “I had a wonderful time with my family. It was also great to get a letter from the Queen.

“I used to play lawn bowls for many years and got to know many people through the sport.

“Everyone always asks me what the secret is to living so long, I always tell then it’s hard work.”

On the very same day, just a few miles away, Amy Johnson also celebrated turning 100.

Mrs Johnson, who now lives at Rashwood Care Home, Wychbold, celebrated when her family held a party at the home in her honour.

She was born and grew up in Bristol where she met her husband Fred when he was in the Navy.

The pair moved to Smethwick after they married and she worked for many years at a glass making firm.

She loved to do DIY and looked after the family home until Fred passed away five years ago. It was then that she moved to Rashwood.