A CARE home resident has celebrated her 100th birthday in true 1930s style thanks to some special stars of the small screen.

Mary Bell, who lives at Lavender Hills in Ramsbottom, reached the milestone birthday last month and decided she wanted to be taken back 80 years to the cherished decade to mark the occasion.

During the decade Mrs Bell had worked as an usherette in La Scala theatre with her late husband, a projectionist, and often reminisces about those years.

With the special date fast approaching Lavender Hills staff and Mrs Bell's family planned a big surprise — with her daughter Gail Higginson contacting Channel 4's Extreme Cake Makers to create something special.

On the big day everyone at the home donned period fancy dress and were entertained by singers Vintage Pearls, to transport Mrs Bell back to her 20s, before the afternoon's biggest surprise.

With a knock at the door Extreme Cake Makers' Molly Robbins arrived with a huge cake in the shape of a theatre advert all about Mrs Bell — including a picture of her from the 1930s in face edible paint, complete with flashing lights and popcorn.

Mrs Bell said she had had a "great time for her birthday, the theme brought back memories of working at La Scala theatre" and thanked Lavender Hills for "a very special day".

However, the mother of eight added that what she really wanted for her 100th birthday was a parachute jump.

Her daughter Aileen Brennan, said: “We all had a brilliant time at the party organised by Lavender Hills, it was so special and Mary thoroughly enjoyed the day with her friends at Lavender Hills and all her family.

"All the staff dressed up in 1930’s wear, everyone got involved from the kitchen to the management.”

She added that since the parachute jump her mum has been asking for was out of the question, the party more than made up for it.

The day was also topped off by letters from The Queen and MPs James Frith and Jake Berry congratulating Mrs Bell on her birthday, which were read out during the party.

Ms Higginson said: "Having extreme cake makers record her 100th birthday party was amazing. It will give mums eight children and their families something to cherish for years to come.

"Lavender Hill care home put lots of effort into making mums day extra special so we would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff who work there."

Jackie Booth, senior carer at Lavender Hills, added: “It was fantastic, we all had such a good time and it’s lovely to be able to celebrate this milestone with Mary and her family.”