A DUTCH woman who worked as a nurse in occupied Holland during the war and travelled the world well into her eighties has reached a major milestone.

Centenarian Elizabeth Jacoba Maw is turning 100 – and is celebrating in style.

As well as a family party in Shropshire and a function with her neighbours at Homelaurel House, Sale, a spa weekend with all family members from around the globe is also in the pipeline.

Daughter Helen Hayles said: “She is very pleased to have reached this milestone birthday but would really like to beat her sister, who reached 101.”

Elizabeth, a mother-of-five, was born in Holland on December 23 1916. She had a ‘wonderful’ childhood and went on to work as a nurse in Holland during the Second World War.

At the end of the war, Elizabeth met her husband Freddie Maw on a visit to London. They married in her home country before moving to London as newly-weds and then later to Shropshire.

In Shrewsbury, Elizabeth was a full time housewife, whilst Freddie managed Maw and Co, a ceramic tile factory which now houses part of the Ironbridge gorge museum.

They had one daughter and four sons.

In later life, the couple travelled all over the world, visiting their children and extended family. When Freddie died, Elizabeth moved to Sale to be closer to her daughter and grandsons. She has lived at Homelaurel House for nearly thirty years and is the only remaining original resident.

Elizabeth, who is a grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of one, regularly travelled abroad to visit her family in Holland, France, Dubai and America well into her eighties.

She used to enjoy walking and swimming but now enjoys reading, watching TV, light housework, visiting the shops with her daughter and regular visits from family and friends.

Daughter Helen said: “She is frustrated that she can’t walk as well as she could and her hearing is poor but she does very well otherwise.

“She puts this down to good genes, a lot of exercise and a sensible diet, including a daily glass of wine.”