Amid swathes of bunting, birthday cake and balloons, Hilda Graham celebrated her 106th year.
To mark the astounding milestone the great-grandmother was surrounded by family, friends and staff at Wealstone Care Home in Upton where she lives.
Born in 1908, Hilda recalls dancing the Charleston when it was new and her older brother standing in his First World War army uniform.
Staff at the home booked a live band to play some of her favourite songs and she enjoyed tapping her feet in time to the music.
Hilda’s granddaughter, Linda Graham, 56, travelled from her home in Haworth, Yorkshire, for the party.
She said: “My grandmother was always naughty. She loved a joke and a drop of whisky. I think that’s why she’s lived so long.
“When I was little she was extremely kind buying me the latest Sindy doll and beads – the sort of things little girls like.
“I love her to bits and wouldn’t have missed today.”
Debra Murray, activities co-ordinator at the home, said Hilda was popular with staff and fellow residents.
She said: “She is just lovely and it’s a pleasure to look after her.”
Sue Dutton, home manager, said Hilda had great spirit.
She said: “She is the life and soul of the home and has a great sense of humour.”
Outgoing Lord Mayor of Chester Jill Houlbrook, who presented Hilda with a bouquet of flowers, said: “Well what can you say about a lady who has reached 106? Amazing – really amazing. Hilda is incredible.”
Before the party staff spent hours crafting a collage with sepia, black and white and colour photographs charting Hilda’s long life.
Robert Black, managing director, CLS Care Services who own the home said it was important to treat every resident as an individual.
He said: “We go to great lengths to tailor the care that we provide to suit each person’s likes, interests and needs.
“This includes putting in that little bit of extra effort to celebrate special occasions and birthdays.”
Referring to the collage he added: “Memories of the past are very precious and something worth celebrating – as we often do through reminiscence-type activities.
“These are always popular among residents. Everyone has a story to share.”
Life for Hilda began in Salford before her parents moved the family to Chester when she was aged five.
She was the only daughter in a family of three sons and went onto marry Jim who worked at the steel works at Shotton.
The couple had a son called Derek and all three lived with Hilda’s parents.
Over time the family lived at two addresses in Phillip Street, Hoole and Egerton Street.
Jim died in 1960.
