Former headmistress Evelyn James celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday. Mrs James, who lives at Hardwickdene Residential Home in Buckden, was married to a squadron leader in the RAF. Their bridesmaids and pageboys were children at their school, and a

Former headmistress Evelyn James celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday.

Mrs James, who lives at Hardwickdene Residential Home in Buckden, was married to a squadron leader in the RAF.

Their bridesmaids and pageboys were children at their school, and all Mrs James's pupils attended the service.

They had decorated the church with flowers for the couple and provided entertainment at the reception.

The couple had no children of their own.

Mrs James was headteacher at Ickwell Junior School near Bedford and was later a member of two clubs in the village, the Pleasant Hour and the Over Sixties Club where she was known for baking wonderful cakes. Her other hobbies were embroidery and hand crafts.

She lived in her own home until she was 96.

A spokesman for Hardwickdene, Alison Noller, said: "Evelyn is a sweet lady, usually cheerful and frequently chatty.