A RIDE in a police car was a dream come true for sprightly Laura Olive when she celebrated her centenary.

As the great gran, from Northwich, approaches her 101st birthday, surprise plans are under way to make it just as special.

Staff at Newton Court care home in Middlewich are appealing to the local community to send her greetings.

Joanne Barnett, from the activities team, said: "Celebrations won’t be the same this year so I wondered if anyone wanted to send her a card ?

"I will put a box in the foyer by the door so there’s no need to enter."

Laura was thrilled when officers turned up to take her out for a spin.

The VIP trip was just one of many surprises organised by care home staff to mark her milestone birthday last year.

Northwich Guardian: Laura Olive was presented with flowers from children at Kids Planet nursery on her 100th birthday Laura Olive was presented with flowers from children at Kids Planet nursery on her 100th birthday

Laura Olive was presented with flowers from children at Kids Planet nursery on her 100th birthday

Laura said: “It was a beautiful day and the staff couldn’t have made it any nicer.

“The ride in the police car was exciting and we went hell-for-leather with the blue lights and sirens on.

“All the cars were moving out the way."

Laura was brought up in Chorlton-cum-Hardy with her brother and two sisters.

After leaving school at 14, she worked at Kodak developing films in a dark room and says this was her favourite job.

She then worked in Trafford Park, where she met her late husband Eric, and the couple married in 1943.

Northwich Guardian: Laura with her late husband EricLaura with her late husband Eric

Laura with her late husband Eric

Laura had a daughter, Lynne, and later a son named Robin.

After leaving work to become a full-time mum, the pair set up home in Northwich due to Eric’s job, but he sadly became poorly and died in 1993.

Laura then moved to Middlewich to be closer to her daughter, who sadly died from cancer, and lived in a bungalow for 26 years before going into care.

Northwich Guardian: Laura OliveLaura Olive

Laura celebrating her 100th birthday with staff at Newton Court care home

She has two grandsons, two granddaughters and 11 great grandchildren.

Laura's birthday is on Wednesday, January 27.

Cards can be dropped in through the letterbox or posted to Newton Court care home, 28, St Ann's Road, Middlewich CW10 9JB.

They need to arrive by January 24 to meet the 72 hours Covid clearance regulations.