EASTER Monday centenarian Edith Howarth was born in the year that Accrington Library opened – and she hasn’t stopped using it since.

Keen pianist Edith, of Perth Street, Accrington, used to take out all her music from the library and now makes use of its invaluable home delivery service.

To mark the special occasion, library staff gave her a mug commemorating their shared milestone.

Edith, whose father Albert Snape was a player for the original Accrington Stanley FC, has been a lifelong Red and still follows the results even though she is unable to get to games.

Born on Whalley Road, she worked from the age of 12 until her 20s when she married husband Howard. A keen churchgoer, she spent much of her time attending New Jerusalem Church, where she and Howard were married and where she also got to practise her musical skills.

She also liked sewing and making rugs and, as a member of the Good Companions, she and fellow players visited churches and old folks’ homes all over the town to entertain audiences, initially travelling on foot before they got their own transport.

Edith said: "It was lovely. They used to cheer when we went in the room. We liked to play a bit of Matt Monro and all sorts of songs, mostly modern.

"I used to go to the library for music and books and they’ve given me a lovely centenary mug."

Liz Robertson, of Accrington Library, said: "Edith used to be an accomplished pianist. It’s so exciting for us because she has been coming to this library ever since she was young."

Edith, who was delighted to receive a personally signed photograph and letter from the Queen, spent her birthday and the end of the Easter period with friends and family in Bramhall, Cheshire, where she was thrown a well-earned party.

As for the recipe for longevity, she replied: "I have no idea what the secret is – I’ve tried to do my best. My father lived until the age of 91 and I’ve never smoked. I’m very happy."