Bolly all round for Edna's big birthday bash

Edna Dewhurst may not look a day over 80, but this go-getter gran has lived through two world wars, Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall.

Edna celebrated her 104th birthday on Thursday at Saint Albans Nursing Home in Knott End.

The great grandma-of-six worked as a shop keeper in her home town of Great Harwood during the Second World War, when she was responsible for handing out rations to more than 1,000 people.

She moved to Blackpool with her husband James, a fireman, to take in the fresh sea breeze after he was diagnosed with lung problems as a result of breathing in smoke while fighting fires during the war.

He died from the effects of smoke inhalation in 1960 at the age of just 49.

Saint Albans carer Jane Revill said: “Edna is bubbly, fun, and keeps us all on our toes. She’s really with it and looks fantastic for her age.

“She’s got a great sense of humour and a wicked laugh.

“She’s a bit hardof hearing these days but apart from that she’s very healthy and doesn’t miss a thing.

“When we asked her what her secret was she said she didn’t have one.

“She only came to live with us four years ago.

“She was cooking chips in lard in her own chip pan every day right up until she turned 100!”