Eastbourne woman has professional snooker lesson for 101st birthday

Margaret Cope said the experience was "very good"

A woman has celebrated her 101st birthday with a snooker lesson from a professional.

Margaret Cope, who lives in Sycamore Grove Care Home near Eastbourne, East Sussex, had a lesson with Mark Davis on Wednesday at a local over-50s club.

The lesson took place at Alice Croft House in the town and Ms Cope said she was "amazed" by the surprise.

Ms Cope turned 101 on Thursday and also had a party with friends to celebrate her big day.

Mr Davis, who is from St Leonards and known as The Hastings Battler, was ranked 12th in the world in 2013 and 2014.

Mr Davis turned professional in 1991

He said: "You always love to see people, especially fans of the game [and] especially a fan of the game as long as Margaret."

Ms Cope's son Maurice said she was "the best mum in the world."

He added: "She loves snooker and it's just the perfect way to celebrate her birthday. [It was] absolutely fantastic."

Sycamore Grove's home services advisor Laurence Amstad said: "She is really upbeat about life and to still be able to walk and dance every now and then, it is an incredible feat."

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