THERE are a million excuses not to study, but for one Blackburn woman attending class is so much fun -- she even chose to celebrate her 100th birthday there.

Sarah Aspden, of Old Gates Nursing Home in Livesey Branch Road, attended her weekly reminiscence session as part of her centenary birthday celebrations.

She was also celebrating a century of learning, as she has "always loved to study" since being inspired by two teachers at Mill Hill school as a child, Miss Crompton and Miss Risdale.

Sarah, who was born in Oswaldtwistle and grew up in Mill Hill and is one of 17 residents who meet weekly at Old Gates, to talk about local history with lifelong learning tutor Sarah France.

The course is co-ordinated by Blackburn with Darwen Council and is aimed at helping residents brush up on their discussion and debating skills by talking about their memories.

Sarah was so thrilled by the course about local history that she joined in the discussion about some of the oldest cinema films, including the timeless classic Sunny Boy, which was the first talking film to be shown in Blackburn when it premiered at the Savoy in Bolton Road.

She said: "My memories date back to the time when Blackburn was a thriving mill town and my mother used to work in the cotton industry."

Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, executive member for education and lifelong learning, said: "Sarah really does prove you are never too old to learn. She is a remarkable lady and our warmest congratulations go out to her."

As part of the very special birthday session, Sarah received a tailor-made card featuring old photographs of the area and a basket of flowers, along with ato sit alongside her telegram from the Queen.

Staff at Old Gates also threw a party in Sarah's honour, which was attended by her family, including a one-month-old great-great grandchild.