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Slideshow: Asda lays on a VIP treat to celebrate Temple Newsam customer's 100th birthday
Asda price has always been the right price for Leeds centenarian Doris Barrow. Click here to enjoy slideshow.
And to say thank-you for years of loyal custom, Doris's favourite store in Killingbeck held a VIP reception as she celebrated reaching 100.
Store bosses laid on a 1933 Model 'B' Ford and chauffeur to whisk the Doris from her home in Temple Newsam.
They then popped the champagne corks and unveiled a birthday spread as Doris was joined by a dozen friends off the weekly supermarket bus.
The great-grandmother, whose birthday is today, said: "How lovely, I didn't expect any of this. I have always enjoyed coming here, they are so friendly and really looked after me. I always liked to see my friends on the bus as well."
Yesterday's celebration was the idea of store greeter Jim Aylward, himself a septuagenarian, who promised Doris a party when she reached three figures.
As Jim arrived to greet Doris and her friends, all of whom he knows personally, the birthday girl joked: "You are looking all right for your age Jim."
Jim said he made the party pledge a decade ago.
With a moist eye, he said: "Isn't she fabulous? She is a wonderful woman and a real inspiration to us all."
Doris's friends were not the only well-wishers – a steady stream of customers, none of whom knew Doris, stopped to wish her well.
"I've never met anybody aged 100 before," one said. "And I just wanted to shake your hand."
Doris's son, Raymond, said his mum enjoyed the social side of her trips to Asda as much as the shopping.
"This is a lovely gesture," he said.
Doris will celebrate her big birthday at a family party on Sunday. She puts her long life down to doing everything in moderation – and getting out and seeing the world. She added: "I drink in moderation, and I have always kept active.
"I have everything left but my legs, and I still love to read and sit up late to watch the television.
"You name the European country and I have been there.
"I travelled in my 40s, 50s and 60s, and I believe if you keep active it helps your mind keep active."
Store manager Russell Gamble said: "Doris is a lovely lady, we were delighted to celebrate with her."
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Weather for Leeds
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
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