FORMER Lyme Regis trader and loyal RNLI supporter Molly Raison has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Mrs Raison, nee Wiscombe, marked her centenary on Sunday with her large family, which includes four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Many will remember her from the West Dorset Shoe Shop in Broad Street, Lyme Regis, which she ran for more than 40 years, or from volunteering in the RNLI shop at the Cobb.

Born and bred in Lyme Regis, she is the youngest and last surviving of eight children born to Alben Wiscombe, former mayor of Lyme and joint founder of A & F Wiscombe building company.

Her family home was in Broad Street and she did her matriculation exams at the old school at Woodmead Halls in the days before the Woodroffe, formerly Lyme Regis Grammar School, became established.

She was an active past member of Lyme’s Operatic Society, with several stage roles to her credit.

Gilbert & Sullivan still hold a special place in her heart.

Mrs Raison ran the family business, West Dorset Shoe Shop, situated opposite the Regent Cinema (now Martin Diplock Estate Agents), after taking it over from her mother.

After retiring in 1973 and having brothers and other family members involved with the sea, she devoted the next 25 years to the RNLI.

If she was not manning the RNLI gift shop, she was probably knitting or organising various events in support of their fundraising activities. In retirement, Mrs Raison remained in Lyme, first at Dolphin Close by the River Lym (built by A & F Wiscombe, then run by her twin brother Juby) and latterly at Lewesdon Court in Silver Street. Mrs Raison has two children, Nick and Gaye, both retired and now living locally, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.

She moved to Bymead House in Charmouth three years ago where she enjoys frequent visits from family and friends, various in-house activities and days out with fellow residents.

Nick said: “Always eager to be out and about, she is never short of suggestions for an afternoon coach trip, in which Lyme Regis of course figures prominently.”

Volunteers from the RNLI went to Bymead House on Sunday to present Mrs Raison with a birthday card and a lifeboat teddy bear.

Treasurer John Dover and press officer Richard Horobin did the honours, joined by her friends Joan and Mike Leeming.