LOCAL lady Rachel Newcombe has celebrated her 100th birthday and was delighted to receive a card from The Queen.

Rachel, known to many as Ray celebrated her birthday with family and friends at Il Casita in Crediton and then had a second celebration and birthday cake with the Central Devon Liberal Democrats.

She worked as a volunteer helper in the Yellow Bookshop on Crediton High Street until recently.

Rachel was born in Bexhill in Sussex and moved to her current home in Landscore, Crediton, 10 years ago to be near her step-daughter Vanessa Newcombe from Exeter.

Before this she lived in central France from almost 30 years.

Ray was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a birthday cake by County Councillor Nick Way (Crediton Rural, Liberal Democrat), on behalf of the Crediton branch, as well as being made honorary member of the local party.

The shop’s co-ordinator, Bob Wright said: "It has really been a pleasure having Ray as a helper in the shop.

"Like many of us she has a lifelong interest in books and enjoyed working in the shop."