Helensburgh great-grandmother Eliza O’ Neil, known as Betty, was ‘delighted’ to receive her birthday card from the Her Majesty the Queen which was presented to her by deputy lord lieutenant Jill Aitkenhead and was also congratulated on the milestone by Rhu stalwart and former provost Billy Petrie.

Born in Glasgow in 1915, Betty married Robert in 1944 before moving to Helensburgh in 1953.

Mother to Robert and John, she was in charge of the school meals service at the old St Joseph’s Primary School which, in a strange coincidence, is now the site of Waverley Court where she lives in sheltered accommodation.

Prior to that, Betty was a land girl during World War Two and was physically active and a keen runner.

Son Robert told the Advertiser: “She was a runner-up to Miss Scotland from 1930 to 1935, she was very attractive, she also ran and she clearly remembers being involved in games in Hampden Park, Glasgow. She was very athletic and that helped her a lot.” Although known to most people as Betty, Robert said his mother had several nicknames adding: “Her sister called her Lizzie, and the kids called her Izzie and I think her grandchildren called her Sizzie!” Betty was happily married to husband Robert until his death in 1979 and continued to live independently before moving into Waverley Court about 20 years ago.

Robert said his mother was in good health for her age. He added: “We look after but she’s independent - she can still manage herself.” Among Betty’s many achievements, her family is one of the most important to her and she still enjoys catching up with her four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

The centenarian also maintains a good social life and among the guests at her 100th party were all the residents of Waverley Court.