Swaffham The Paddocks care home staff and family celebrate Lillian Ross who turns 107

A ‘marvellous’ woman who has reached the grand age of 107 has revealed the secrets of her long life.

Lillian Ross, born in 1916, celebrated her birthday on Sunday, at The Paddocks care home in Swaffham.

Family and friends popped in to see her and she received a birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Her daughter Pauline Wallis, 76, has lived in Ashill for 50 years and visited Lillian when she lived in Hertfordshire.

After Lillian turned 100, it was better to move to the care home, which is only a few miles away.

Born in Edmonton, London, Lillian worked as a dressmaker at Aquascutum, and married Alec Ross in 1941.

Lillian said: “My husband was in the Navy.

“At the onset of the war they wanted me to go into the land army.

“I wouldn’t have anticipated being alive through two world wars.”

Lillian added: “I had two birthday cakes and Pauline made one of them.

“I do rely on Pauline.”

Lillian, whose maiden name is Haslett, spends time with friends Hilda Oddie, 95, and Joyce Kirk, 90, at The Paddocks.

When asked about the secret of her longevity she said: “God has favoured me.

“I exercised and loved to do bike riding and walking a great deal.

“Also the food my mother gave me.

“Pearl barley, bone marrow, pigs’ trotters and sheep’s head years ago.”

“I used to do painting.

“I am going to keep walking while I can.”

Jenny Strutt, wellbeing assistant at The Paddocks, said: “She is absolutely marvellous.”

Pauline said: “There is no stopping her.

“She still has so much to learn and so much she wants to do. She is determined.

“That’s my mother.”

Shane Collier, manager, The Paddocks said: “Lillian is youthful at heart.”