A GENEROUS centenarian said no to presents for her special birthday and instead asked wellwishers to make donations towards Gorleston's new palliative care centre.

Annie May Armstrong turned 100 on Monday and celebrated her milestone at home with friends and family - with her day being made extra special after receiving a card from the Queen.

But instead of tearing open presents, kind-hearted Annie requested donations to purchase daffodils as part of the Louise Hamilton Centre's buy a bulb campaign.

The scheme aims to plant thousands of bulbs outside the centre in the grounds of the James Paget University Hospital, and Annie's birthday fundraiser boosted the coffers by �120.

Annie was born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and moved to Lowestoft with her husband Herbert in 1966 and is described by her friends and campaigners as a 'lovely lady' and a 'true inspiration'.

The centre, named after Gorleston woman Louise Hamilton who died from breast cancer at the age of 28, reached its �1.5m fundraising target last month but donations are still encouraged via the buy a bulb campaign, and other upcoming events.

Tickets are still up for grabs for a trolley dash in Morrisons on December 4, with a chance to win up to �250 to spend in the Gorleston store.

A quiz night is also being held at the Pier Hotel on November 27. Tickets cost �5 per table, with teams of up to five, with refreshments being provided.

And people who would like to volunteer once the centre is opened are still encouraged to get in touch.

For more details about the buy a bulb campaign, becoming a volunteer or either of the events listed call 01493 663831 / 453348.