A Kings Langley woman, who has travelled the world and written a book about her life, has celebrated a landmark birthday.

Surrounded by friends and family at Arden House Nursing Home in Hunton Bridge, Elsie Phillips blew out her candles yesterday (Monday) afternoon to mark reaching the age of 100.

Born in North Finchley to Robert and Eleanor Martin, Elsie was the second of two children, sister to brother Reg.

She spent some of her childhood living above the family’s business, a greengrocer’s shop in Market Parade.

Following World War I, the family moved to Edmonton, and much to the delight of Elsie this meant regular trips to the local theatre, watching a variety of shows including “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves”.

In 1926, she started a secretarial course in London and continued to work in admin for the rest of her career.

Elsie married twice in her life, the first time to Morris Blake, who was killed in World War II, and then John Phillips, who later died from cancer.

Although she did not have any children, other family members including cousins rallied around to help celebrate her birthday.

In recent years she has moved to Kings Langley, following a fall at home where she broke her hip.

A keen explorer, in her younger years Elsie travelled vast portions of the globe, and in 1993 a book she wrote of her life, entitled “London my Village” was published.

Despite having so many “wonderful memories” it was a birthday card from the Queen that Elsie said she would particularly cherish.

Theresa Tayag, care home manager, said: “This is the fourth person we have here who has celebrated their 100th birthday – it must be something about this place.

“Elsie is a wonderful, caring character, who gets on very well with all the other residents.

“We all wish her a very happy birthday.”