Three 100-year-old Watford residents helped the town celebrate Watford's "milestone" centenary of its Royal Charter and Borough status.

Charter Day took place on Tuesday (October 18), during which a service of thanks was held at St Mary’s Church.

Mayor Peter Taylor attended with residents from across the town.

Watford Observer: The Mayor, meeting Watford local Cynthia Lumsden. Image: Watford Borough CouncilThe Mayor, meeting Watford local Cynthia Lumsden. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

In order to mark the occasion, a new centenary coat of arms was hoisted on the flag pole, next to the town's Peace Memorial.

This flag was the result of a competition held over the summer, in which young Watford residents were asked to produce a design which encapsulates everything they love about the area.

Watford Observer: The Mayor, with flag competition winner Caliana Boyd. Image: Watford Borough CouncilThe Mayor, with flag competition winner Caliana Boyd. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

During the day of celebrations, mayor Peter Taylor met with locals Ivy Rankin, Joyce Neill and Cynthia Lumsden, who had turned 100-years-old in 2022.

The three shared their memories of the town, before being presented with flowers, certificates and centenary medals.

Watford Observer: The Mayor, with flag competition runner-up Mariia Balzhyk. Image: Watford Borough CouncilThe Mayor, with flag competition runner-up Mariia Balzhyk. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

He said: "We are so thankful to everyone who shared in the celebrations with us.

"It was a milestone day for our town and it was important to mark the progress Watford has made in the last 100 years, celebrating our history and looking to the future. 

Watford Observer: The Mayor, presenting Ivy Rankin with an award. Image: Watford Borough CouncilThe Mayor, presenting Ivy Rankin with an award. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

"Congratulations to our competition winners, Caliana and Mariia (who designed the flag).

"A big thank you to Ivy, Joyce and Cynthia for taking their time to share their stories with me.”

Watford Observer: The Mayor, presenting an award to Joyce Niell. Image: Watford Borough CouncilThe Mayor, presenting an award to Joyce Niell. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)