'Hard work, chocolate and cream cakes have kept my mum alive to 106'

Maisie Mcilree has just reached the age of 106, a milestone that her daughter Anne Butler credits to her penchant for sugary snacks.

"She was a hard worker and I think that's what has kept her [going] to 106, and the chocolate and cream cakes."

Describing her mother, a former cake factory worker, Butler said she was "kind, considerate, loving, grateful and never takes anything for granted".

The birthday girl celebrated at Anchor's Bloomfield Court care home in Tipton on Tuesday, where she was joined by family members of fellow residents, which she said made for "a really lovely day".

Mcilree added: "People always find my age fascinating, and I find it so funny."

Mcilree was also treated to a birthday telegram from the King and a collection of cards sent in from the local community.

Care home manager Georgina Boden said: "Maisie means a great deal to everyone here at Anchor's Bloomfield Court care home and we wanted to make sure her 106th birthday felt like the occasion it truly is. "

Butler added that her mother had enjoyed family holidays: "Mom didn't expect the luxuries, she's never even been abroad, but she enjoyed going to places like Blackpool or Great Yarmouth."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.