FOUR generations of a family flew into Musselburgh from around the world to celebrate the 100th birthday of a “fiercely independent” lady.

Jean Jackson was reunited with family from Germany and France as they gathered at the Apostolic Church, New Street.

Mrs Jackson, who has lived in the Honest Toun for nearly 25 years, spent nearly 20 years working for the church in France with her husband Pastor James Jackson.

The couple, who met in the Borders, had two sons, David and Alex, and worked in Dieppe and around Normandy in the 1960s and 70s.

They retired back to Musselburgh in 1980 and found a house on Ravensheugh Crescent, where Mrs Jackson, whose husband died in 1991, still lives.

Although housebound, she is described by friends as “fiercely independent”.

Family friend Michelle Lewis said that Mrs Jackson, who she calls Oma – which is German for ‘grandma’ – has an extraordinary zest for life.

She said: “When I leave [after a visit] I often say to her, “now Oma, be good”, and her reply is always “I’ll try but I can’t promise that”.

“Although she is now house bound she is still fiercely independent; I am so honoured to know her and everyone who knows her loves her.” Mrs Jackson’s son David lives in Germany with his family, while her other son Alex is based in France.

Both sons, along with Mrs Jackson’s five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren travelled to Musselburgh for her birthday party.

Born in Glasgow, Mrs Jackson grew up in Hawick after moving there to live with relatives following the death of her father when she was only five.

She met husband James, who was from Jedburgh, through the Apostolic church and, when he was called to be a pastor, they moved to Eastbourne in Sussex.

In 1962, they were asked to go to France to help the churches there and remained there until they retired in 1980.

Mrs Lewis said that the years in France had left a permanent mark on her friend.

She said: “Having lived in France for many years, she thinks in French and then says whatever she is thinking in English.

“She loves cheese and wine and her favourite chocolate is French liquors.

“She often says a little bit of what I fancy hasn’t done me any harm.”