IT TOOK many people by surprise that Sandown's Peggy Forward was to be 100 years old.

Defying her age, social butterfly Peggy is known for her enthusiasm for life and her love for Sandown where she lives overlooking the Bay.

She is well-known in the town, due to her involvement over the years in the Over 50s club, St John's Church and choir, and the Townswomen's Guild.

At her party at the Broadway Centre were family and friends, including Cllr Heather Humby and Cllr Debbie Andre. She hopes to hold another party for the church too.

Peggy said: "My birthday has been marvellous. When I woke up on my birthday I couldn't believe I was 100 and had got to this age.

"My legs and feet have let me down but my brain is still very active.

"I have never smoked and I'm not much of a drinker and I have behaved myself, but I've always been a good organiser and I like to organise social events.

"I'm also known for the song New York New York, which is played for me everywhere I go. It's my signature tune."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Peggy was born in Plymouth, Devon, but moved to the Island in 1938 and worked at Broadway Park Hotel during the Second World War, making Bailey bridges for the war effort.

Her family moved on to Dover but Peggy loved Sandown and stayed.

She married her first husband in 1945 and had daughter Janet in 1950.

After she was widowed in 1978, she went on to meet her 'beloved Bill' and the couple married in 1989.

She and Bill enjoy the company of Bill's big family, and Peggy's daughter, two grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Peggy received more than 200 cards for her birthday, including one from the Queen.