Lancashire's oldest woman credits 'odd tot of whisky' as key to long life as she celebrates 108th birthday

Officially the oldest woman in Lancashire, she turned 108-years-old today and celebrated with a glass of bubbly at Saint Alban’s Nursing Home in Knott End, where she lives.

Edna was born in 1912, the same year the suffragette movement was in full swing, British explorers finally reached the South Pole, and the RMS Titanic made its fateful maiden voyage across the Atlantic.

She married her husband Jim in 1936 and moved to Great Harwood, near Blackburn, where she ran her own grocers’ shop during the Second World War and was responsible for handing out rations to more than 1,000 people. She had two children, Richard and Barbara.

The family moved to Blackpool in 1954 after Jim was diagnosed with lung problems partly caused by breathing in smoke while fighting fires during the war. After his death in 1958, she moved to Knowle Avenue, North Shore, where she remained for 54 years.

Saint Albans carer Jayne Revill said: “Edna is normally fun and keeps us all on our toes. She has slowed down a bit during this last year with coronavirus lurking in the background. However, she’s really with it and looks fantastic for her age. She’s got a good sense of humour and a wicked laugh.

“She’s a bit hard-of-hearing these days, and her eyesight isn’t perfect. But apart from that, she’s very healthy and doesn’t miss a thing. She came to live with us eight years ago. Before that she was cooking with chips in lard in her own chip pan right up to the day she turned 100."

Edna says she doesn't know exactly what the secret to a long life is - but that she enjoys the odd tot of whisky every now and then.

Deputy matron Rosalind Evenett said “It is truly a privilege to be able to assist Edna to continue to live her life to the very fullest at 108-years-old and being the oldest woman in Lancashire. These times have proved so uncertain and challenging for so many, but Edna regardless has been able to take this in her stride and has continued smiling and bantering with staff throughout. We look forward to the times ahead with Edna”.