A FORMER doyenne of the high street saw in her centenary year surrounded by friends and family.

Stella Peters' china shop, in Brooklyn Parade, Loughton High Road, was a well-known fixture in the town ever since she opened it shortly after the war.

Named after her husband Ralph, it survived early problems with pricing and even a fire before it became an established presence, finally closing its doors in 1987.

Stella, who has just turned 100, was one of the first ever residents in Newnham Close, Loughton, when she moved there shortly after it was built in the early 1950s.

Born in the East End of London, she initially worked as a dressmaker before moving to a radio shop in Bishopsgate where she met her future husband who was a colleague there.

After her retirement from the world of china, Stella threw herself into charity work and took up a position at the Cancer Research Shop, in Loughton.

She recently moved to Springdene Whetstone Care home, in north London, where she saw in her 100th year with a party attended by over 40 people including her daughter Joan and son-in-law John.

Joan said: “It was the most amazing day. We were all blessed to celebrate this time with her. She doesn't get out-and-about these days but she's right on the ball and loves everything going on around her and having people around her.

“She's just the most generous, sweetest person you could ever meet. Everyone adores her. It says a lot when you receive nearly 50 cards on your birthday.”