Congratulations to Ethel Paveley, who celebrated her 100th birthday last Saturday, with a party surrounded by family and friends.

Mrs Paveley, a resident at Bloomfield Care Home, in Paulton, was once an athlete, competing for South Africa until the age of 85! Her last competition was at the Gateshead World Veterans Championships, when she was nearly ninety and at the age of 83, broke the World Record for someone of her age, completing a long jump of over two metres. She has won over 200 medals in her career – perhaps the secret to her longevity is keeping so fit and active.

In her youth, Ethel was awarded a bursary for Advanced Education and became a French Polisher. Always a keen athlete, in 1932, as part of a junior team of four, she won the National Seniors Title in Cross Country, which saw her go on to compete in Europe. She met and married her husband, Len Paveley, through Birchfield Harriers Athletic Club and had a daughter, Joan, and son, Roy.

In 1947, the family moved to South Africa for its warm climate, but, having spent many years there, all four generations have now returned to the UK. After raising her family, Ethel found her way back to athletics and didn't look back.

She celebrated her birthday with a buffet lunch and, later, a high tea, with guests travelling from South Africa, London, Birmingham, Switzerland and even two taking a detour from a cruise! Ethel received over fifty cards from all over the world, as well as a telegram from Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and a card from the Queen, which reads: 'I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your 100th birthday on 28th June. I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion.'