AN inspiring Penketh resident who ‘would give her last penny if she had it’ has celebrated her 105th birthday.

Born on July 25, 1918, Helena Dale was one of seven children and grew up on Padgate Lane.

She attended St Mary’s school in 1923 and enjoyed learning, before going on to make threads on bomb caps during the Second World War.

Dancing the night away, Helena locked eyes with her future husband, Arnold Dale at the Bell Hall on Orford Lane – although she had initially wanted to dance with his friend.

They fell in love and married and enjoyed going to dances together all over Warrington.

Helena’s daughter, Julie Clarke, recalled memories her mum and dad had told her of during the war.

Warrington Guardian: Helena DaleHelena Dale (Image: Supplied)

“They were lucky to come through the war unscathed, though Mum remembers one night Dad was cycling home from work and there was an air raid, a bomb was dropped on Kingsway South. 

“Mum was worried that Dad had got caught up in it, but thankfully he was fine, though two people died that night.”

Helena and Arnold went on to have five children together, Terry, Andrea, Janice, Julie and Beverley.

As their family has expanded, Helena now has nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Julie said how her mum has always enjoyed knitting and sewing and her and her siblings were always some of the best dressed children across the borough.

“A professional photographer took a photograph of three of us sisters on a seesaw in Walton Gardens once,” she said.

“We were wearing identical outfits that Mum had made, which made it into the Warrington Guardian the week later. We all have a copy of it now, she is very talented.”

Warrington Guardian: Helena celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by loved onesHelena celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by loved ones (Image: Supplied)

Helena now lives at The Mews Care Home in Penketh and celebrated the huge milestone birthday with her family.

She said her secret to staying young and living such a long fulfilling life is having had so many children.

Summarising her mother, Julie added: “Lena is a shy lady, who would give you her last penny if she had it, and always has a smile for everyone.”