IT was a milestone celebration for the oldest woman in Buntingford as she reached her 105th birthday. Friends and family gathered at the communal area in Ivy Ross s home in Dixon Place to throw a surprise party. Buntingford mayor Councillor John Noades pr

IT was a milestone celebration for the oldest woman in Buntingford as she reached her 105th birthday.

Friends and family gathered at the communal area in Ivy Ross's home in Dixon Place to throw a surprise party.

Buntingford mayor Councillor John Noades presented Ivy with a personal message from the Queen, as well as a telegram from Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton.

Cllr Noades said: "What a splendid achievement. I send you my warm congratulations and best wishes for your 105th birthday."

Cllr Stanley Bull, board member for South Anglia Housing presented Ivy with a bouquet from the housing association and congratulated her on such a fantastic milestone.

He said: "It was wonderful to celebrate such an incredible birthday with Ivy.

"She is a wonderful resident and we were delighted to be able to be with her on this very special occasion."

Still leading an active lifestyle, Ivy said: "I do my housework, gossip with my neighbours, go shopping and play bingo."

Born in Wood Green, north London, Ivy left school at 14 and took her first job in a factory making glass eyes for wounded soldiers from the First World War.

Ivy married John Ross in 1927 and the couple had one son, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

They moved to Buntingford in 1992, but John died only three months later, aged 97.

Ivy's grand-daughter, Maria Ross said: "She is remarkable. I'm not sure what her secret is, but it seems we have good genes in the family."

And the secret to a long life. Ivy said: "I like my routine, I go to bed at a certain time - and I only drink shandy.