Living through the Blitz with her two newly born twins is what one woman, who turned 100 this week, classes as her finest achievement.

Rosie Barnett celebrated her birthday on Tuesday surrounded by her family and friends at the Cranvale Care Home, Buntingbridge Road, Newbury Park.

They were joined by more than 50 children from Ilford Jewish Primary School, Carlton Drive, Barkingside who brought her flowers and gifts as well as singing her, and the other residents, songs.

Mrs Barnett was born in Mile End and during the Second World War worked as a machinist in a clothing factory. She said: “Being present during the bombing of London during the Blitz with new born twins – and surviving to tell the tale – is rather an achievement. That was certainly an interesting and challenging time to live through.”

Enlisted

In 1939 she married Cyril Barnett who worked as a caterer.

At the time of them marrying he was enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corp as a cook.

In 1941 Mrs Barnett gave birth to twin girls Estelle and Brenda who are now 71 and live in Ilford.

She also has two grandchildren Howard, 46, and Deborah, 44, as well as five great-grandchildren.

“I feel very fortunate to have reached 100 and have loved watching all the generations of my family grow up,” she said.

“I put it all down to good, clean living – and a very healthy appetite!”

Mrs Barnett loves watching live entertainment and singing along, and takes an active interest in games such as crosswords and bingo.

She celebrated her birthday with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and friends who held a party for her.

Irene Prasad, manager of the Cranvale Care Home, said: “Rosie is a wise and happy lady, who still tries to join in with whatever she can.

“We are delighted to be celebrating her 100th birthday with her and several generations of her family.”