A WOMAN who has read The Argus for 50 years has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Elsie Ford, from Hove, turned 100 on Saturday as she celebrated with visits from family and friends.

Ms Ford, who now lives at Churchley Rest Home in New Church Road, worked as a secretary well into her 80s.

In 1935 and 1936, she was named Pitman’s fastest typist in the UK and received a medal and a monetary prize.

She moved to Brighton from North London with her family in the 1960s and became secretary at the Arnold House Hotel in Montpelier Terrace before its demolition in 1971.

When she moved to Brighton she started what would become a daily event – reading The Argus.

In her later life she worked as secretary for the Chamber of Commerce.

Elsie’s son Trevor, from Windsor, travelled down to Brighton to wish his mother a happy birthday.

The 66-year-old said: “She did not have many guests but she had her friends and family. She got the Queen’s card. She thoroughly enjoyed herself and liked seeing everyone.

“My father was a salesman for Esso and was with them for 40 years. He was a travelling salesman so it made sense to move down to Brighton.

“When we initially moved down here we lived in Arnold House as my mother worked there.”

Ms Ford was born in Hampstead, before moving to Finchley and then to Edgware when she got married.

During her 70s and 80s she carried on her secretarial work part-time at Hove Town Hall until she retired. When she left she was awarded flowers.

Mr Ford said: “She enjoys coach trips and days out and has got The Argus ever since the Sixties.”

The Argus team sent Ms Ford a birthday card to say thank you for her loyal readership.