An adventurous OAP is moving half way around the world at the age of 102 after her care home closed.

When Kent County Council announced it was to close the Hawkhurst care home where Louise Sydes lives she decided to relocate 11,000 miles away instead of taking up the council offer to rehome her.

The centenarian, who was born in 1908, when Edward VII was still on the throne, and has lived through the sinking of the Titantic, two World Wars, Spanish influenza, and five monarchs, is moving to New Zealand to be near her daughter.

She said: "I’m very thrilled about living in New Zealand, it’s lovely. I have been before, I like the climate and I like the food.

"I am really looking forward to being with my daughter, that’s what matters.

"I will not miss the weather here but I will miss my friends who I have known for many years – and Midsomer Murders."

Louise, born in Coventry, moved to the home in March 2010 but is now the last remaining resident ahead of the closure in November.

Full story in this week's Kent Messenger Weald edition