A VERY special celebration was held in a village church to mark an astonishing milestone.

The event at Holy Trinity Church, Slad was held to mark long-standing and much-loved member of the congregation Barbara Gardiner’s 100th birthday.

Friends, family and church-goers were joined by the Supertroupers Age UK choir for the celebration on Thursday.

She was surrounded by family and friends including her older sister Muriel aged 102, her three daughters Vanessa, Delia and Hilary, her six grandchildren and six great grandchildren to celebrate her actual birthday the following day, Friday.

Barbara has lived in and around Stroud for more than 70 years.

She grew up in Bolton and trained as a nurse during the Second World War before moving to Gloucestershire and working as a midwife.

During the war, her parents looked after young servicemen while they were training in the RAF.

One of these young men, Cliff Gardiner, shared Barbara’s interest in big band music and dance and romance blossomed.

The couple married in 1950 and went on to have four children.

Cliff was a well-known drummer with Avening and Chalford brass bands.

With his brother he established Gardiner Bros Radio & TV Services in Church Street, Stroud.

For many years Barbara belonged to the International Friendship League and through the organisation she formed many friendships across the world.

She is still an active member of the church in Slad and the local Mothers Union and for 20 years she was a member of the Supertroupers choir.

Her daughter Hilary said: “Barbara attributes her long and happy life to having fun, plenty of laughs and having a good sense of humour.”