Vida Haylett was 96-years-old when her car failed its MOT.

If it wasn't for that, the Great Yarmouth woman - who was the town's first female taxi driver - would still be driving.

During the Second World War, she was often seen whisking passengers to weddings, funerals and other social events. 

But on Wednesday (September 20), it was her daughter, Jenny, who drove the centenarian to the Methodist Church Hall in Gorleston, where a surprise party had been arranged. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Vida Haylett's daughter Jenny organised a surprise 100th birthday party for her mother. Vida Haylett's daughter Jenny organised a surprise 100th birthday party for her mother. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Vida thought she was attending a meeting of the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Memory Club, where her daughter plays music. Little did she know that more than 30 members of her extended family were hiding there, waiting for her. 

And when Jenny started playing the Happy Birthday song, the curtains were pulled back to reveal the surprise guests.

READ MORE: Burgh Castle resident celebrates 100 years in the village

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Vida Haylett is 100 - Vida and husband Johnnie on their engagement. Vida Haylett is 100 - Vida and husband Johnnie on their engagement. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Vida was born in one of Great Yarmouth's rows in 1923 and grew up with two brothers and a little sister.

After leaving the Hospital School, she worked alongside her father at his car garage.

She was 16 when war broke out in 1939, by which time her father was running Crane's Taxis and the Coachmakers Arms in Market Place.

Vida was the first woman to have a taxi licence during the war. 

READ MORE: Great Yarmouth woman celebrates 100th with special party

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Vida Haylett enjoyed meeting family at her surprise 100th birthday party in Gorleston. Vida Haylett enjoyed meeting family at her surprise 100th birthday party in Gorleston. (Image: Denise Bradley)

As well the cab, she drove a unique Daimler automobile. The interior had been turned into a canteen and when bombs dropped on Yarmouth, she would drive the car to the Market Place and make tea and coffee for the men and women involved in the rescue attempts.

One morning, she rescued a man from rubble after a bomb had fallen and took him to hospital in the taxi.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Vida Haylett became Great Yarmouth's first female taxi driver during the Second World War. Vida Haylett became Great Yarmouth's first female taxi driver during the Second World War. (Image: Denise Bradley)

After the war, she married Johnnie Haylett and carried on driving her cab.

Her daughter Jenny said: "She still cooks for herself. She is still independent. And she misses driving."