A PEDMORE woman with a passion for cricket celebrated a century of her own after reaching a birthday milestone.

Emma Newton, from Dingle Road, was born in Old Hill on October 10, 1908, and has remained an Black Country girl throughout her life.

Cricket loving Emma was one of four children and the game was a major part of her family life.

Her brother, Ernie Shaw, played professionally for the Surrey county team.

Emma’s childhood was dominated by the first World War during which her soldier father, John Shaw, was posted missing in action for nine months before unexpectedly arriving home, causing her mother to faint from shock.

John had sent a telegram home to tell his family he was safe, when he learned it had not been delivered he demanded his money back from the Post Office.

Emma played her own part in history after starting work aged 14 at Wandsworth’s factory in Birmingham, making electrical components.

Emma made silver switches for the Queen Elizabeth passenger liner and, after the ship’s maiden voyage, had to manufacture another batch because passengers had stolen the originals.

She married Jim in 1942 and gave birth to her only child, Ann, a year later.

Ann said: “She has always been a wonderful mother and my best friend.

“We were always able to talk about anything and everything, they were fantastic parents.”