Birthday wishes pour in for much-loved Ripon resident Audrey who has turned 100

Despite the gloom of social distancing and lockdown measures, Audrey Hobson has still managed to celebrate the momentous occason of her 100th birthday thanks to the kind-hearted efforts of all her friends, family and loved ones who ensured that she was joyously inundated with uplifting cards, telephone calls and birthday cake.

Parties had been organised prior to lockdown, with the Mayor of Ripon, Coun Eamon Parkin, set to be a special guest, but there are still hopes for these special celebrations to go ahead once it is safe to do so.

Originally from Stocksbridge, where she trained to be a psychiatric nurse, Audrey and her beloved husband Alf moved to Ripon some years ago to be nearer to their son Robert who was based in Scarborough. Alf was a much-loved and admired musician who played piano, accordion and other instruments - such was his talent that when he played at home, neighbouring children used to sing and dance outside their house.

Alf was a local celebrity who drew in crowds at local pubs, and tributes flooded in for him when he sadly died - he remains a dearly-missed Ripon figure.

Audrey has had plenty of hobbies and interests over the years, including sequence dancing, and attended classes three or four times a week with a friend. She also loved cruising and on many occasions went on her own - not afraid to seize the day, socialise and meet new people.

Living in the Almshouses on Magdalens Road, community stalwart Audrey looked after the Chapel of St Mary Magdalen for many years, cleaning, hosting visitors by serving teas and coffees, and sharing some of the history with her wealth of knowledge. Latterly, she was the main key holder. Her faith has kept her strong and positive - she is always happy and loves people.

Audrey's friend Jill Powell said: "Audrey is a great character with a wonderful sense of humour and is interested in people, always keen to know how they are and what they have been doing.

"She is wonderful company and a pleasure to take out, or just sit and chat to. She has a quick mind, always informed and difficult to keep up with, both mentally and physically.

"Audrey cares in every sense of the word. She is a good friend and someone you can go to for a straight and always sensible answer."

Audrey is happy and very settled at Skell Lodge in Ripon where she now resides, and has high praise for the caring staff who she commends as going above and beyond.