REACHING the grand age of 100 is a milestone most of us would be glad to see.

But Margaret Paxton hopes it will be the first of many three-figure birthdays.

Mrs Paxton, who lives at the Lady Nuffied care home in Banbury Road, comes from a family where longevity runs and she has made it her ambition to make it to her 110th birthday.

Her niece, June Shepherd, one of many relatives who spent the day with her, said: "Margaret is one of the young ones in the home, so she has been joking that she'd like to see in her 110th birthday.

"She was very pleased to hear she would be getting a card from the Queen. Longevity certainly runs in the family as Margaret's three brothers lived into their late 80s or 90s."

Mrs Paxton and her husband Frank, who died 11 years ago, did not have any children. She celebrated her birthday with nieces and nephews.

She marked her 100th birthday with four of her nieces and nephews, Mrs Shepherd, Brian Miles, Kerry Miles, Jeanette Pollard and some members of their respective families.

Mrs Shepherd said: "Some of us will spend the morning with her, opening presents and cards at the home. Later on we will all have a slice of cake and glass of wine with other Lady Nuffield residents before going to the Four Pillars restaurant in Sandford with close family. Margaret especially asked to spend the evening there."

Mrs Paxton moved to Oxford at the age of 70 to be near her sister Ivy's family after living most of her life in Tonbridge, Kent, where her husband was a manager at a local printing press.

A life-long member of the Red Cross, Mrs Paxton dedicated most of her working life to charity, collecting money for the Red Cross, making cakes for patients in hospitals and working for the Women's Institute. During the war, she worked in the rations book department at her local council.

Mrs Shepherd said: "My aunt was very caring towards other people.

"She is still very good at looking after herself and up until recently she lived on her own in the most beautiful house.

"She was also a fantastic needle woman and a talented seamstress, making her own clothes."

Although her husband died at the age of 91, he was granted his last wish - to celebrate the couple's diamond wedding anniversary in 1995.

Mrs Shepherd added: "He just wanted to live for that day. We gave them a brilliant party at home."