HILDA Sinclair, a resident at Hunters Care Centre on Cherry Tree Lane in Cirencester celebrated a very special birthday, reaching the milestone of 103 years of age.

Born in South Cerney in 1915, Hilda went into domestic service on leaving school, leaving to look after and nurse family members.

She met her husband Tom, a native of the Orkney Islands, at a village dance in Down Ampney during the Second World War, enjoying many years of happy marriage settling down in South Cerney.

Hilda, who has been a resident at Hunters for six years, puts her long life down to simple hard work - she still remains very active in the day to day life of the care home taking part in games, word searches and social events.

Steve Chamberlain, activity coordinator at Hunters said: "Hilda is a real inspiration to us all. For somebody of 103 she is marvellous. Over the years she has had set backs with her health but she always bounces back as strong as ever.

"Hilda is considerate to other residents and always asks staff how their family are remembering them by name, she plays an active role in the day to day life at Hunters joining in with activities whilst socialising with staff and residents."