MONDAY'S 100th birthday of Dora Spackman, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was celebrated at St Bartholomew's Church on Sunday morning, when the congregation sang "Happy birthday", and churchwarden Ruth Sexton presented a basket of flowers . Mrs Sexton and the vicar, the Rev Vicki Burrows thanked Dora for her long, devoted service in the church where she was a member of the choir until ten years ago.

Dora was guest of honour at an informal lunchtime party with family and many friends, at the Croft on Monday.

Dora (nee Fricker) was born at Wootton Bassett on May 18, 1915, and was the first child of her family to be born in the town. She had six older siblings.

Dora was a pupil at the Church of England School and her first job was at Miss Collinborn's fruit and flower shop in the High Street. Later she joined her sister as a companion at a stockbroker's house in London. As a young woman she was chosen as an attendant to Swindon Carnival Queen, at time when the girls were selected by celebrities. "I was very thrilled to be chosen by Ivor Novello, after my sister sent in my photo, without telling me. That was very exciting," Dora said.

Dora worked for a time in the lingerie department at McIlroys, Swindon's premier department store, in Regent Street. In the Second World War she was secretary to the production manager at Ekco before going to work for the Petroleum Board.

Dora and her late husband Reg, Wootton Bassett Manor Garage proprietor, were married in 1942.

Under his instruction, Dora became an accomplished motorist who drove taxis to Swindon and Oxford. She used to drive Diana Dors, who lived in Swindon. "I was invited to a party to mark her launch into films," Dora recalled. Later she was a delivery driver for school meals around the countryside. She and Reg lived next to the garage. Thejr daughter Jane was born in 1948.

In the post-War years Dora was invited to join ENSA, as a singer, but declined as she did not want to leave her young daughter. She did perform at the Cafe Royal, and on BBC radio, with the late Jack Winter. She also sang in choirs at Oxford and Bristol.

Dora spent fifteen happy years as a receptionist at Bevirs offices in Wootton Bassett High Street, and still attend reunions with former colleagues who are among her many friends.

The vicar of Royal Wootton Bassett, the Rev Vicki Burrows, described Dora as "absolutely inspirational."