BIRTHDAY girl, Rebecca Cooper celebrated her 105th birthday at Springhill Care Home in Accrington, becoming what is believed to be East Lancashire’s oldest woman.

Born in 1908, Rebecca was brought up in Blackburn, where she continued to live her whole life before joining the community at Springhill.

Rebecca’s long life has seen two World Wars, five monarchs and endless cultural trends.

She began working in the mills of Blackburn when she was just 12-years-old and was a full-time weaver by the time she left school at 14.

Rebecca married and raised a family, and has remained an active and popular member of her local community.

She puts her long life down to ‘keeping a sense of humour, and eating and drinking well’.

Grace Jones, formerly the oldest woman in the UK died at the age of 113 in November last year and was the last living British person to be born in the 1800s.

The oldest woman in Britain is now Ethel Lang from Barnsley, who is 113 years old but born in 1900.

Rebecca was joined for her big day by family members, friends and the Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Judith Addison.

Theresa Swan, general manager of the home, said: “Rebecca is the life and soul of the party, even at 105. She has a real energy for life, continuing to enjoy dancing and singing, and has a keen memory for many of the older songs we play.

“The celebration for her birthday was wonderful with her family joining us for the occasion, and the Mayor supporting Rebecca even though the Mayor’s office was officially closed for the Christmas period – we really appreciated Judith joining us for the occasion.”

“Rebecca enjoyed a glass of Champagne and her good health was toasted by family, friends and staff.”