A FAMILY run Ilkley dental practice will celebrate its 100th anniversary tomorrow - and could be joined by a guest from the other side of the grave.

The ghost of an 'Edwardian lady' has been seen by several members of staff at Acorn Villas, on The Grove, over the last century.

Started in 1903 when Philip Thornton moved his practice from 3 Parish Ghyll Road to 64 The Grove, the business was to remain a primarily family affair for 89 years.

Even today it retains its links to the Thornton family through partner Leonard Anderson. Mr Anderson married dental nurse Alison Thornton, whose father Philip was the last member of the family to retire from the practice, after meeting her during his training at Leeds Dental School.

Tomorrow Mr Anderson and his fellow partners Steven McGurk and Sue Davis will be joined by many of the staff who have worked at Acorn Villas over the years for a special centenary meal.

Mr Anderson said: "We're intensely proud of the practice's history and we realise we've given 100 years of service to the community which we want to continue.

"We're also proud of always being up to date and being able to offer all the latest treatments, which has been true throughout the history of the practice. I think that's actually why the Villas have such a long history."

Although not personally graced with a sighting of the practice's unearthly guest so far, Mr Anderson has an open mind about her - and wouldn't be too surprised if she showed up tomorrow.

He said: "I don't know who she is, but the building was built in 1876 and the ghost, apparently, is an Edwardian lady so the chances are that she must have something to do with the period when Robert Thornton took over the practice in 1903.

"Some wonder if it's his wife because they both lived there. She's been seen by one or two people here and they're not the kind of people given to flights of fancy. I've not seen her but my nurse has.

"Seemingly, she stands on the half landing and looks down the stairs for a few seconds before disappearing. Luckily, she doesn't throw things about, she's not a poltergeist.

"But she normally appears when major things are about to happen at the practice. I wouldn't be worried if that happened on Friday, but more curious - think of all the questions you could put to a ghost!"

The practice's longest serving surgery assistant, Sue Pitt, however, who has been with the company since 1974, is happier focusing on Acorn Villas' more tangible achievements.

She said: "Our patients feel at ease when coming to see us as they can be guaranteed a familiar and friendly face. In many respects, the family tradition here continues to another level as patients and staff become an extended family."