DANCING shoes were a must as a Second World War veteran celebrated her 100th birthday.
Esme Turner celebrated becoming a centurion surrounded by friends and family with a surprise afternoon tea.
She was handed a number of gifts and a cake was make especially for her by the chef at Blossomfield Grange care home where she lives.
Esme was born on January 20 1923 in Yardley and after finishing school she joined the Women’s Royal Air Force in 1942, where she was stationed in Blackpool to carry out her training.
It was in Blackpool, home to the UK’s largest ballroom dance floor, that Esme found her love of dancing.
During her free time, Esme would often visit the ballroom and watch the dancers perform to help her practice her own style.
At the age of 19 Esme married Ronald and a a year later, in 1944, they welcomed their son Alan to the world.
Commenting on her secret to reaching 100 years of age, Esme said: “Don’t stop dancing – regardless of how old you get.”
