'HILDA MAY JONES gave Noel Trigg the best present he has ever received - his life.

For when he was just four years old, Hilda May saved his life - pulling him from the River Usk in Newport.

So when Mrs Jones celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday, the Newport city councillor was delighted to celebrate with her.

Her brave actions allowed him to join the army, serve in the King's Regiment during the Korean War and become a boxer, all before serving the people of Bettws as their councillor.

Councillor Trigg said: "Hilda's a wonderful woman and it's so nice to be celebrating with her today. I owe her my life."

Mrs Jones was held by another passer-by as she rescued the young Noel Trigg.

She said: "I could feel his head under the water, Winnie Humphreys was holding my legs."

Former Welsh and British schoolboy boxing champion Councillor Trigg brings Mrs Jones a box of chocolates every Christmas, and vividly remembers the accident that nearly cost him his life.

Councillor Trigg, 69, said: "I was four at the time, my parents had just bought me a pair of wellington boots.

"I walked 200 yards up to the banks of the Usk in my wellies, and decided to walk through the water to where a boat was tied up nearby.

"Of course, as soon as I entered the water I went under. It was about 20 foot between the surface and the muck at the bottom.

"I was terrified, and fought my way to the top, where I screamed for my mother before sinking again.

"I can still remember the fear. "Then someone jumped in and grabbed me by the hair to pull me out. "Hilda May dragged me to the bank, where another lady was pulling her by the legs."

Mrs Jones enjoyed a day of visitors at the Belle Vue Park care home, in Newport, where she now lives, to celebrate her special day, with many of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren visiting her. She also received a telegram from the Queen.

Mrs Jones said: "I love you all. I'm having such a beautiful party, I think I'll have another one tomorrow! It's a big day, but I'm taking it all in."

Care home matron Ann Adey said: "She's a feisty lady who gets what she wants and has a wicked sense of humour.

"She never comes downstairs without her jewellery and make-up on, and she's incredibly resilient."