Scarborough woman celebrates 106th birthday at Combe Hay

Joan Richardson was born on October 30 1920, when King George V was on the throne and David Lloyd George was Prime Minister.

Mrs Richardson was born in Leeds to parents Betty and Frank, and grew up in the city with her three brothers.

She met husband to be Peter, and the couple married in 1942. Both Peter and Mrs Richardson’s three brothers served during the war and Peter was awarded an MBE for bravery.

Mrs Richardson worked as an office clerk for an accountancy firm before the couple welcomed two daughters, Lesley and the late Linda.

Until foiled by failing eyesight, Mrs Richardson had a fond love of sewing, knitting and embroidery, and also gardening, particularly of growing tomatoes because she loved the smell.

These days, she is almost always found listening to an audio book, something which she particularly enjoys.

Care Home manager Drew Smith spoke fondly of her charge saying: “She still has her hair done every week and her nails painted bright red.

"She’s still independently mobile, and has a wicked sense of humour, she’s very smart.”

Mrs Richardson celebrated her 106th birthday at the Oak Wheel in Burniston with daughter Lesley and her husband, where she enjoyed a glass of Cinzano to mark the occasion.

She then returned to the home, where they sang Happy Birthday and shared in the celebration cake.

In the summer, the home will plant a specially chosen rose, ‘Blooming Joan’ in Mrs Richardson’s honour.