Kay Elliott has witnessed 2 world wars, the coronation of 4 monarchs and the introduction of votes for women. To mark her 104th birthday, she was honoured with a civic reception in her home town of Nottingham.
Abbeyfield resident, Miss Elliott began her birthday celebrations with a party, laid on by staff and fellow residents at her home in the Firs Nursing Home, Sherwood.
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Brian Grocock then accompanied her in the civic car to Nottingham Council House, where she was joined by 18 other honorary aldermen for the civic reception.
Born on August 4 1906, Miss Elliott attended Mountford House School and Nottingham High School before going on to Oxford University.
During the Second World War she worked with 10 other girls, making army clothing.
In 1956, she became a councillor for Abbey Ward. Nineteen years later, she was elected an alderman, in recognition of her long service as a councillor. "I enjoyed my time as a councillor and have been travelling to a lot of different places," she said.
"I used to go on holiday riding in the sidecar, as my dad had a bike." I have family in South Africa and Canada and have been to visit both"
Miss Elliott still likes to keep active and regularly does stretches. She insists on having a glass of gin before she goes to bed every night.
Tracey Johnson, who works at the Firs Nursing home, said
"Kay is brilliant. She has a fantastic sense of humour and makes us laugh all of the time. She really deserves a happy birthday."