Hyndburn’s oldest resident has celebrated her 109th birthday with family and friends.

Alice Horne, of Union Road, Oswaldtwistle , is the oldest living borough freeman and celebrated her birthday on Saturday, February 6.

Alice, who learned to swim at age 70 and was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in 2005, was joined by her nephew Kenneth Horne and his partner Sandra Drysdale and received visits from friends and wellwishers.

Kenneth, from Alloa in Scotland, said: “She had a lot of birthday cards and flowers and had a lovely day.

“She really enjoyed herself and got a telegram from the Queen. She has got a good little collection of those now and is very proud. It brings a smile to her face and keeps her spirits ups.”

Alice, originally from Scotland and one of nine children, contracted polio as a child and during the Second World War she was buried under the rubble of a matchstick factory after the German blitz on Liverpool.

At the age of 50, an accident left her confined to a wheelchair and in 2005 she was attacked by intruders who attempted to steal from her home.