THE ‘Queen of Radley Common’ has died at the age of 104.

Born on November 13 1913, Lillian Jones was one of the town’s oldest residents.

The 104-year-old, who lived on Fothergill Street, died in High Peak Care Home in Croft on Tuesday, March 13.

But Lillian - who worked as a supervisor in a shirt works - is remembered fondly by her friends at Radley Common Community Centre, where she was a regular at the luncheon club and which served as her second home.

Maureen Higham from the Grasmere Avenue community centre said: “Lillian lived on her own and she used to come here three times a week.

“She was the Queen of Radley - that’s what we always called her.

“Everybody that met her liked her.

“On entering Radley Common, Lillian would remark ‘I’m home’ and referred to the community centre as her sanctuary.”

Her life was remembered by her friends and family at St Elphin’s Church on Tuesday, March 27, followed by a burial at Warrington Cemetery on Manchester Road.

Lillian’s only daughter died at the age of 12, while her husband also passed away several years ago.

However, she still had family living in Blackpool who would help to take her to the luncheon club.

Every year, the club would celebrate Lillian’s birthday at Radley Common Community Centre by tucking into her favourite meal - fish and chips.

And Maureen believes her appetite was key to her having enjoyed such a long life.

Maureen added: “She had an appetite like a horse - you couldn’t fill her, and she used to eat more than me.

“Lillian was very alert even though she was 104 - she loved to have a laugh and joke with you, and she loved the bingo.

“A lot of her birthdays were celebrated here, and the mayor would come along to them - she loved the fuss everyone would make.

“She’s going to be sadly missed - she was a really big part of the luncheon club and it’s going to very sad without her.”

Luncheon clubs run at Radley Common Community Centre four days a week, helping to tackle loneliness in isolated elderly residents.

Volunteer Maureen said: “You don’t like losing anybody but this is the job we do, because somebody has to look after the elderly.

“A lot of people who come here have no family and don’t talk to anybody all weekend - it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

“But volunteering here is the best thing I’ve ever done - I don’t get paid, but I can’t wait to get here and make sure everyone has a good cooked dinner and a bit of entertainment.”