Drivers asked 'Pip for Phyllis' to help Cayton grandmother celebrate 90th birthday

The family of Phyllis Watson - who is 90 today and in isolation because of the coronavirus - were determined not to let the occasion go unmarked.

By Sue Wilkinson

Published 27th Apr 2020, 10:34 BST

Updated 27th Apr 2020, 12:06 BST

Barrie Watson puts up banner in his mum's garden

As a surprise, they put up banners in the garden of her home in Main Road, Cayton, asking drivers to 'Pip for Phyllis'.

Mrs Watson is mum to Barrie and Keith and has grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a telephonist before running a fish delivery business with her late husband Derek. The business Albert Sutton was then run by Barrie until three years ago.

"We were going to have a party for 80 family and friends at the Palm Court in Scarborough but that, of course, had to be cancelled," said Keith who lives in Cayton with his wife Sue.

Barrie said: "She is remarkable, she still insists on driving even when her grandchildren want to take her out.

"She ten pin bowls each Monday, plays contract bridge twice a week, bowls twice a week and attends a quiz at indoor bowls club each week."

Drivers Cayton