PENSIONER Ivy Heys will clock up a remarkable milestone on Sunday when she celebrates her 107th birthday.
Ivy, of Addison Court Nursing Home, Accrington, is one of the oldest women in the country. But she is still a few years behind the current record-holder, who is an incredible 111.
She will celebrate with a quiet gathering of family and friends.
Her son Joe, 78, lives in Sparth Road, Clayton-le-Moors, with his wife Edith, and they visit Ivy every day. He said: "We will just be taking it slowly probably. Not much of a fuss, just congratulations and a nice day."
Ivy's incredible strength and life force are legendary in the care home.
Administrator Sheena Tyldesley said: "She's a wonderful woman and we all hope she has a lovely birthday."
Asked what the secret is to Ivy's long life, she said: "She would probably say not to drink or smoke. As with all residents here, she is cherished. She's actually quite quiet but very popular, and she likes things just so. She's very particular."
Ivy - an accomplished flower-arranger and knitter - is a native of Rishton, although she lived in Clayton-le-Moors for most of her life.
She and her late husband William - a collier who died in 1958 - were married at St Peter and St Paul's Church, Rishton, in 1919.
She worked as a ring spinner at the town's Victoria Mill from the age of 12, where her initial salary was just half a crown a week.
Ivy, one of 10 children, lived in Sparth Road, Clayton, before moving to Queen Street in the town. She has been a resident at Addison Court from the age of 99.
She has three children, three grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
