Norwich art and textile author Helen Hoyte's 100th birthday

Helen Hoyte, a former art and textiles teacher, turns 100 years old on September 17.

The grandmother, who has lived in Bracondale in the city centre since 1976, was also made an MBE for her services to textile heritage.

Helen Hoyte with her son, John Hoyte and daughter, Gillie Hoyte (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

Born in Scotland in 1923, Helen says she has lived a "fascinating life".

After growing up in London, Helen married in 1951 and moved to Sri Lanka from 1951 to 1958, where her husband worked in the tea industry.

Helen Hoyte was born in Scotland on September 17, 1923 (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

Moving back to north Norfolk, Helen went into the textile trade - teaching art at St Nicholas School in North Walsham and then moving on to teaching at Thorpe St Andrew School, between 1967 to 1985.

She said: "I've adopted Norwich as my home - It's a wonderful place and I've had a great life here.

"I feel I've lived a fascinating life and got involved with the history of Norwich.

Helen says that her children have a special birthday lined up for her, where she'll get to see her great grandchildren for the first time (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

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"Life is far too interesting for me still to be acting like an old woman.

"Most of the time I read now and I'm thoroughly enjoying what’s left of my life, my son and daughter - John and Gillie - looking after me.

Helen said the key to a long life is laugh and see the funny side of things (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

"They've arranged a special birthday for me, with friends and family coming, along with my great-grandchildren, who I've never met before, so I'm thrilled to be seeing them at last."

In 2010, Helen published a book titled The Story of the Norwich Shawl before being made an MBE in 2015.

Helen was made an MBE in 2015 for services to textile heritage (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

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"It was an astonishing thing," she said.

"I'm pleased though because it gave me chance to highlight the thing that I am most interested in."

Helen grew up in London before moving to North Norfolk and then, Bracondale, in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

Helen's key to a longer life is "laughter", saying: "Not to say my life hasn't had ups and downs, but if you can see the funny side of things, it really helps.

"I've been extremely lucky and blessed to live the life I have - I'm very grateful."

In 2010, Helen published a book called 'The Story of the Norwich Shawl' (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)