A great-grandmother among the oldest living people in Britain has marked her 110th birthday today.

Hilda Luck, of Arthur Road, Rainham is enjoying the auspicious accolade with a small family gathering at home.

The mother-of-two, grandmother-of-three and great-grandmother-of-seven is looking forward to a visit from her son Ronnie, 79, who lives in South Africa and her son David, 77, who lives in Scotland, and their families to commemorate the big day.

Ronnie told KentOnline: “She doesn’t want us to do anything big for her. She doesn’t like the fuss.”

Hilda, who has been widowed since her husband Ron died in 1998 enjoys keeping her mind active by reading and doing word searches.

The supercentenarian is still in good health and enjoys regular visits from family and friends.

When KentOnline last caught up with Hilda she attributed her longevity to the fact she’s never drank or smoked, as well as her love for chocolate, keeping active and reading romantic novels.

After leaving school Hilda, who was born in Gillingham, took a job as one of the first female gas welders at Chatham Dockyard during the war, where she met Ron, a boiler maker.

The couple moved to Arthur Road in 1964 where she has lived ever since.

Throughout her life Hilda has been a keen gardener and won numerous ribbons for her fuchsias.

She has also enjoyed extensive travelling, including visit to her sons in Scotland and South Africa, as well as holidays to Europe with Ron including Turkey and Holland.

On her 108th birthday Hilda was chauffeur-driven to a family lunch by the taxi firm which has taken her for her weekly shop from her Rainham home for more than 60 years.

For decades she has used Rainham Cabs for her weekly food shop at the town's precinct and trips to the hair salon.

It is estimated there are currently around 170 living centenarians in the UK aged more than 107, around 75 aged over 108, and around 30 who have surpassed 109.

As of 17 February 2024, the oldest person living in the UK is Ethel Caterham, from Surrey, who was born August 21 1909, making her 114-years-old.

The oldest living woman - and person - whose date of birth can be authenticated is María Branyas Morera from Spain, who was recorded as being 115 years-old as of January last year.