TURNING 100 capped another memorable moment for a Crabtree-recipient of the Queen’s birthday message.

Hilda Crabtree, celebrated her centenary birthday at Westy Hall Care Home on October 30 – a day the former champion sprinter, who could have made the Olympics, will never forget.

After representing Lancashire in her early days, SShe’s her talents were clear to see – so much so, she was given the chance of a lifetime in her 20s as her daughter June Bingham recalls: “She was really into sprinting and was offered the chance to train for the Olympic Games in America.”

“Hilda was very keen to go but the problem was that she was a bit too young and so she did not go.

“That was her claim to fame in a way.

“She really enjoyed sprinting.”

She never did train for the Olympics.

But one memory will live long: “She actually ran in front of King George VI before he was king,” added June.