CHIPPENHAM’S Kitty Sparks celebrated her 100th birthday on Tuesday after a lifetime working in health care across the country.

Born in Epsom, Surrey, on October 18, 1916, Miss Sparks moved to Bradford on Avon in 1941 where she worked as a midwife in Berryfield Hospital after it had been turned into a maternity ward during the Second World War.

After the war, Miss Sparks became sister of midwifery at the hospital before she moved to Gloucester in 1950 with her lifelong friend, Doris.

The pair travelled to various areas of the country, including Rye in Sussex and Maidenhead in Berkshire before moving retiring to Sutton Benger. She moved to Pewsham in 1983.

Following Doris’ death in 1997, Miss Spark campaigned for independent living and moved into Castle Lodge in Chippenham where she has been a resident for ten years.

“I go to all the things that are on like the singing and dancing, it’s a very good community,” said Miss Sparks.

“Community living is quite different from living in your own house.

“I think the secret to reaching 100 years old is just being busy and happy.

“I have a good life and I think I have been very blessed.”

The 100-year-old enjoyed a party at the Angel Hotel in Chippenham on Tuesday, where friends and family attended and had a buffet lunch.