FIVE generation of Thompsons raised a glass to the matriarch of the family when she celebrated her hundredth birthday on Tuesday.

Della Thompson was surrounded by her family and friends at Birch Court Nursing and Residential Home.

But the biggest smile of the day came when Warrington Wolves player Micky Higham made a surprise appearance to help Della celebrate her birthday milestone.

Daughter Ruth Maxfield said: “She’s a big rugby fan - always has been. She used to listen to the matches on the wireless every weekend.”

Della, who only recently moved to the care home five weeks ago after living in the Three Elms and then the Summerville care home for the past five years, was born in Rotherham but moved to Warrington aged 18 and lived most of her life in Parker Street.

The 100-year-old was married to Albert Thompson and they had three children together, Pauline James, Ruth Maxfield and Neville Thompson.

Della has six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Ruth said: “She was always so full of life and had a great personality.

“She was very strong willed too. She was determined to make it to 100 and she did.”

The great-great-grandmother was a hard worker, only retiring as a cleaner aged 85.

“She loved it and was great at her job too,” said Ruth.

Della celebrated her birthday with a letter from the Queen as well as a visit from the Mayor of Warrington, Clr Peter Carey.

Ruth said: “Even though she only moved to the home five weeks ago the staff have made sure that her birthday has been a special occasion. It’s been a lovely day.”