Hyndburn's most celebrated centenarian enjoyed her 108th birthday with a visit from the mayor.

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

She was visited by Hyndburn Mayor Munsif Dad, ward councillor Peter Britcliffe, friend of 30 years Irene Barnes and other friends and relatives.

Coun Dad said she was a 'lovely and inspirational lady'.

He said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Alice. She is an exceptional and inspirational woman.

“I'm sure she has had a lovely and wonderful life. What a remarkable person to have here within the borough.”

Irene, of Durham Drive, Oswaldtwistle, said she is doing 'really well'.

She said: “When we went round to see her somebody asked what was the secret and she said happiness and for people to smile.

“Her determination and positive attitude to life is really brilliant.

“She is still doing really well and her long-term memory is brilliant. She was telling us old stories and about the time she moved to Oswaldtwistle.

“When people ask me how long I am going to live I always say I'm going to 'do an Alice'.”

Coun Britcliffe said: “She is a magnificent lady and one of the oldest women in the country.

“It's always a pleasure to visit Alice and it's amazing how sharp her mind still is.”

Alice, originally from Scotland and one of nine children, has led a remarkable life having cheated death on several occasions.

As a child she contracted polio 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.

But the plucky pensioner has spent many years working for charity and playing sports.

After learning to swim aged 70, she became involved with the Disabled Association for Sport in Hyndburn, taking part in javelin, bowling and darts events and in 1986 she was named Britain’s most active pensioner.

She was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in 2005 in recognition of her extensive charity work.