A FORMER postmistress celebrated her 100th birthday.

Winifred Hall and husband Ron ran the post office in Berechurch Road, Colchester, after the Second World War.

Winifred, of Layer Road, Colchester, was married to Ron for 70 years, until he died at 95.

The family includes two children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Daughter Wendy said: “Mum was a keen bowls player, and is still interested in all kinds of sports. She still follows the snooker, bowls and football.

“Her house is awash with flowers from family and well-wishers.”

Winifred was born in Purleigh and walked four miles to school every day.

Her father was in the Army when she was born and did not see her until she was four, after the First World War war was over.

He sent Winifred a postcard in 1915, fearing he would never get to meet his new daughter.

Luckily, he made it home and the postcard remains one of Winifred’s most treasured possessions.

After leaving school, Winifred trained as a nurse, met her husband and moved to Maldon, where their children were born.

During the Second World War, she worked in a nursery for the children of women called up to work towards the war effort.

Winifred celebrated her birthday with a family meal at her favourite restaurant, the Pier Hotel in Harwich.