Surprise party and award for woman turning 100

An "incredible" woman who turns 100 this week has been presented with a long term service award from the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Joan Tanton, who served in World War Two as a military driver, was awarded the accolade for her work as branch president of the RBL in Bar Hill, Cambridgeshire.

As well as a presentation, the event was used to throw Mrs Tanton a surprise birthday party ahead of her centenary on Thursday.

She said she was still "full of energy" and her mother lived to 94, so her long life must be down to good genes.

"It was a great surprise," Mrs Tanton told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"I was born in north London and my father was a soldier. I had a happy childhood but not many relatives... which is amazing considering the size of my family now.

"I joined the Army when I was 17 and did a multitude of jobs and went to Italy, where I worked until the war finished.

"After the war I got married and became a librarian. I have been living here for 20 years and it is a good community with plenty going on."

Roger Herriot, county president of the RBL and secretary of the Royal Anglian Regiment Association of Cambridgeshire, presented the long term service award on Monday.  

Rev Wendy Wale said Mrs Tanton was a well-loved presence in the village and one of its oldest residents.

"She was one of the first people I met," said Rev Wale.

"She is as sharp as a tack and is known and loved by everybody.

"Joan doesn't let age or language barriers stop her. She speaks to everybody and sees them as they are, she is incredible."

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