A woman named after the place her father was posted during the First World War turned 100 yesterday.

Lorraine Egan, of Bakers Lane in Epping, in was named after the Alsace-Lorraine region in the north-east of France bordering Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium.

Her father, Michael Dobson Woodward, served with the Durham Light Infantry and returned from the First World War to the family home in Durham, where he went back to work as a miner.

Her late husband Edwin Egan also served in the Army and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. 

He was presented with the honour by King George VI at Buckingham Palace in 1944 accompanied by Mrs Egan.

She said: “That it one of my enduring memories because in those days it was so rare to visit the palace and you had to be invited.”

Her second brush with royalty came yesterday when she received a telegram from the Queen.

Ian Duncan Smith and Epping town mayor Barbara Scruton also sent cards.

Speaking about living for a century and still being able to walk and climb stairs without the aid of a stick Mrs Egan said: “I come from strong stock.”

She celebrated with her daughter Pam Scammell, son-in-law Ron Scammell and grandson Robert Scammell.