Friends and family surrounded Ivy Woolcock as she celebrated her 108th birthday.

As the borough’s oldest resident, she has certainly made her mark on the town of Gravesend - where she has lived for more than 90 years.

There was a lively atmosphere at Orchard Cottage Care Home, Old Road East, as the mayor of Gravesham, Cllr David Hurley, and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Rosemary Dymond, visited to mark the special occasion.

With a room filled with cards and well-wishers, Mrs Woolcock has built firm ties with both carers and fellow residents - known for her positive attitude and love of jam doughnuts.

Both younger daughter Elizabeth, 72, of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and Ann, 76, who is based near Winchester, joined the celebrations, describing Mrs Woolcock’s latest milestone as "a privilege".

When asked about her secret to a long life, Mrs Woolcock said, "there's no secret, it's pure luck".

However, those around her were quick to mention her optimistic outlook, and gratitude for her “lovely life and lovely family”.

Mrs Woolcock’s time in the town was marked by Arriva last April, when the company named a bus after the well-regarded centenarian.

At its launch, she expressed her "gratitude" for the huge accolade, with the memorable words: “I think the great thing is to expect the best to happen, not the worst”.

"I think the great thing is to expect the best to happen, not the worst" - Ivy Woolcock

The bus company sent a bouquet of flowers to congratulate Mrs Woolcock on yet another birthday, which sat alongside a card from the queen, Southfleet Women’s Institute and parishioners from Christ Church, also in Old Road East.

Friend Jacqueline Littlewood, who is associate priest at the church, was also there to wish her friend well.

The pair have known each other since 1984, and Mrs Woolcock was a regular visitor at the church until recently, when her health began to make the trip too difficult.

That is not to say, however, that she is showing any signs of slowing down.

Carers at her home, where she has lived for 12 years, said she is more active than some of the younger residents.

At the moment, Mrs Woolock is the only person at Orchard Cottage over the age of 100 - but that could change this December, with two residents set to reach the landmark age.

To date, Mrs Woolcock has two children, Elizabeth and Ann, four grandchildren, Nigel, Sally, Anna and Andrew, and six great-grandchildren, Adam, Simon, Rachel, Georgia, Jude and Aaron - who has only just turned one.

When asked if she’d like any more great-grandchildren, Mrs Woolcock said "it's not up to me", but it was clear the whole family - young and old - looked up to the inspirational member of our community.