A 100-YEAR-OLD lady was treated to champagne, a three course meal and a ride in a vintage car on her milestone birthday.

Evelyn Cowan, who hit the landmark on Thursday, September 6, was thrown an extravagant party by staff at Witney Day Centre.

Dozens of volunteers, clients and family members attended the event at Ceewood Hall, Witney, to enjoy refreshments and see the Witney resident open her presents - including a birthday card from The Queen.

It was another successful day for the centre, which opened in February after The Elms health and wellbeing centre in the town closed its doors following council cuts.

Witney residents Graeme and Linda Young felt compelled to fill the gap in services and Mr Young believes the party underlined the day centre's importance to the community.

He said: “Evelyn was absolutely overwhelmed and shaking - she had a great day, as did all of our clients and volunteers."

“When we had the snow in March she was one of 16 members that still turned up as normal.

“People were phoning me saying they could make it in which shows what a special place it is."

Witney Day Centre was established following Oxfordshire County Council's announcement last year that the number of daytime support centres for pensioners would be cut from 22 to eight by 2020.

Mrs Young already ran an independent day centre in Eynsham and the couple's decision was vindicated when 35 people attended its first day, along with 19 volunteers.

The initiative has gone from strength to strength since then and is open every Thursday for games, food and entertainment at a cost of just £7.50 per person.

Clients are certainly getting their money's worth and were all invited to celebrate Ms Cowan's special day.

After arriving in style in the vintage vehicle, Ms Cowan was given a special throne and food and drink, including a birthday cake donated by Marks & Spencer's Witney store.

Entertainment was arranged for the birthday girl and her guests, while she was also given a book filled with pictures of her past.

Ms Cowan's daughter, son in law and grandson were guests of honour and the family held their own private party two days later.

The day centre has become a hub for pensioners in West Oxfordshire, with clients coming from as far as Carterton to attend the weekly sessions.

With support from Oxfordshire County Council, Age UK, Witney Rotary Club and Witney Lions, the co-managers are looking to expand the service and have recently bought a minibus to transport residents across the district.

They are also aiming to branch out into coffee mornings, with the long term aim of gaining charitable status for the centre.

Mr Young said: “People were left with nowhere to go so we had to do something.

“Every day has been a success and we never say no to anybody."

For more information or to book a place email lindamckeer@hotmail.com

It comes after Oxfordshire County Council launched a new system of daytime support services for pensioners and people with learning disabilities across the county earlier this year.

Future plans include potentially running a coffee morning and it is trying to become a charity

“Right from day one we’ve wanted to go along the charity route.