A ‘KIND and hard-working’ Wilthorpe woman is set to become a centenarian.

Irene Wainwright will celebrate her 100th birthday on Monday, surrounded by her loving friends and family.

As the only remaining child out of five siblings, Irene has lived a rich and varied life - which has ultimately been driven by her kindness and positive attitude that has touched anyone lucky enough to know her.

As a young woman, Irene worked at CEAG, building electrical products and her industrious nature saw her working through World War Two.

She later met and married her husband, Selwyn, an overman at Dodworth Colliery.

Together, the pair had three doting children, Peter, Paul and Sonia.

Tragically, Irene lost her husband at 48 years old, especially devastating Sonia, who was just 11 years old at the time.

Despite her unexpected loss, Irene maintained her unshakeable tenacity and gave her children a safe and happy upbringing - who have nothing but praise for their mum.

Sonia said: “She brought up her family and has always been a very positive, forward-looking and motivated person.

“She’s always been very into her fitness.

“She loves yoga, tai chi and gardening, all the sort of things that have kept her young.

“She’s always had a positive mental outlook and I think that’s important.

“She’s got so much stoic tenacity and I think that’s what has carried her through to being nearly 100.

“My mum was always the type to sit next to a homeless person and have a chat on the bus.

“Her strong faith has helped her through the tragedies she’s had - she’s always been there as a listening ear and an enthusiastic parent.

“She’s really encouraged me to do well and to go into nursing, at the time I didn’t believe I was intelligent enough.

“Overall, she’s been a brilliant mum to myself and my two brothers.”