A former seamstress who has lived through both world wars has celebrated a special personal milestone.

Mary Adshead turned 100 on Friday and marked the occasion with a party on Sunday at Ashton Court, the sheltered housing block where she lives in High Road, Chadwell Heath.

Her grandson David Adshead, 39, said: “The party went really well.

“At the end she remarked that she was worn out, but a ‘good worn out’ as she had really enjoyed herself.

“She was amazed so many people had come.”

Mary was born in Mile End Hospital as Mary Bremer, the eldest of six children. After leaving school she became a seamstress in the East End rag trade.

She met her late husband Leonard, who died in 1991, while camping with school friends and they were married at St Dunstan’s Church, Stepney, in June 1939.

During the Second World War, the couple were evacuated to Peaslake, Surrey, to avoid the German bombing. They later moved to Dagenham in 1984.

Mary and Leonard had three sons, Leonard, Graham and Martin. She now has seven grandchildren as well as great-grandchildren.

David said: “She often recalls how hard life was growing up in the East End, but this has never dampened her sense of humour and love for her family.

“She is an amazing woman; to think of all she has seen in her life and been through, she is truly inspirational.

“As for her secret to long life, she said it’s just God’s will,” he added.