PNE fan known as 'Mave the Rave' celebrates 100th bday at Highgrove House Care Home in Chorley

Mavis Lever, celebrated her milestone birthday at Highgrove House Care Home in Chorley with kind-hearted staff who had organised a surprise party for her.

Born on March 3, 1926, to proud parents William and Elsie Holt, Mavis shares her birth day with many other incredible happenings/inventions including John Logie Baird just who demonstrated his novel invention called television, the domestic fridge was invented, AA Milne's children's book 'Winnie the Pooh' was published, and Gilbert Scott's Preston Cenotaph was unveiled.

Quite a few other celebrities were born in the same year, including Kenneth Williams ('Ooh Matron!'), George Martin (the Fifth Beatle), and Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II), but none of them have made it to one hundred apart from Mavis!

She shares her birthday with Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone. The iconic red telephone box was also introduced in 1926. How appropriate she later married a handsome telephone engineer called Norman Lever!

They tied the knot in 1945, the first wedding at St Matthew's Church after VE Day, and Mavis Holt became Mavis Lever.

Still in Preston, they had three children - Barry, Joan and Norman Jnr. Sadly Barry is no longer here, but Joan and Norman and their families helped celebrate this great occasion.

In 1964, they moved from Preston to the village of Eccleston, 10 miles south. She had various jobs, but her sharp mental arithmetic skills led her to progress to a wages department supervisor.

Her husband Norman sadly assed away in 1995, so she has spent nearly 31 years a widow. Before that they enjoyed what Mavis always says were her and Norman's happiest days, being wardens at Camping and Caravanning Club sites.

This took them around Britain in the summer months - they had posts at sites in Lancashire, Northumberland, Worcestershire, Ayrshire, and Perthshire.

Mavis loves her football and, to be more precise, Preston North End. Just three days after she was born, Preston played Chelsea at Deepdale, winning by three goals to one (yes, you read that correctly).

North End's fortunes appear to have declined since those heady days. Her surprise 90th birthday was held at Deepdale, Preston, in the Invincibles Lounge, with all her family and friends able to enjoy a match with her.

She likes to remind her family that she and her best friend Connie used to wait outside Deepdale hoping for, and getting, player's autographs.

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Mave the Rave

'Mave the Rave', as she is often affectionately known, was a prolific knitter. In the days when her children and grand children were young, she turned out endless jumpers, shawls, and bootees.

In fact, her latest two great grandchildren have been wrapped in one of her shawls. She was pretty good with a sewing machine too, and many dresses were the product of her skills.

She sometimes reminds her family that she worked in a wages department, and is good with figures. Her sudoku puzzle skills were to be reckoned with!

Mavis is a familiar figure in Eccleston, where she lived in the same bungalow for well over 55 years. She remained independent, living on her own until the age of 99 years. She is a good friend to many, and spent many happy Tuesdays at the Eccleston Over 60s Club, playing dominoes and bingo with friends.

She certainly likes company and chatting to people, and her positive and optimistic attitude has undoubtedly contributed to her going to the grand old age of 100.

She also credits a glass or two of Baileys Irish Cream that might have helped too!

She's seen a lot of things in her life, but as she would say, 'It's all part of growing up. Not old, up!'.

Happy birthday 100th birthday Mavis!