Blanche, originally from Moose Jaw, Canada [living in England since she was 32 in 1937] , celebrated her 105th birthday on Friday, August 20, surrounded by family and friends at Mallard Court [Bridlington, Yorkshire].

Blanche was born shortly after the Wright Brothers took to the skies in the first aeroplane and has lived through two World Wars.

She credits her longevity to her vegetarianism and healthy, non-smoking lifestyle and is still very independent; regularly going out on trips with the Friends of the Elderly and with her family.

Indeed, it was Blanche herself who strode into the Free Press office recently to let us know of her special day.