TWO women born at the seaside are still living there a century later – having reached the magical milestone of their 100th birthday within days of each other.

Beatrice Cooper – nee Lawrence – was born in Walton High Street, Felixstowe, in 1912, and today lives just a few doors away at Orwell Housing Association’s Collimer Court sheltered complex.

The eldest of five children, she worked at Felixstowe laundry and was also employed at Felixstowe Ladies College.

Mrs Cooper has three daughters, June, Jackie and Susan, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Family travelled from all over the world to join residents and friends at Collimer Court for her birthday celebration.

Mrs Cooper’s daughter, Jackie Hopson, said: “She really is the most remarkable lady and I know the celebrations have meant so much to her. On behalf of the family I would like to thank everyone for making my mother’s birthday so special.”

Meanwhile, Barbara Allen celebrated her 100th birthday in Felixstowe Hospital after suffering a fall and dislocating her hip.

She is hoping to return home to Langer Road – just yards from where she was born in Levington Road – if a care package can be agreed.

Her son Malcolm Allen said his mum and dad Claude (known as Charlie), who died in 1982, had moved away from Felixstowe during the war years as his father was moved around by the RAF, but then returned to RAF Felixstowe in 1946.

Mrs Allen still enjoyed living independently and loved her birthday party at the hospital.

“It’s quite something to get to 100. Everyone made a real fuss of her and she had a great afternoon,” he said.