A 106-year-old woman – believed to be Britain’s oldest Covid-19 survivor – has left hospital after shaking off coronavirus and suspected pneumonia.

Connie Titchen, who recovered from a hip operation last year, was applauded by staff at Birmingham’s City Hospital as she was discharged on Tuesday.

The grandmother-of-five and great-grandmother-of-eight, from Birmingham, battled the virus for just under three weeks before being given a clean bill of health by medical staff.

In a statement released by the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, the retired department store sales assistant said: “I feel very lucky that I’ve fought off this virus. I can’t wait to see my family.”

Her granddaughter Alex Jones said Connie loved fast food from McDonald’s, but was not yet aware their restaurants are currently closed.

Describing her grandmother as someone who bounces back from anything, Miss Jones said: “She has had a really active life. She loved to dance, cycle and play golf.

“She has always cooked for herself too, although she likes a cheeky McDonald’s every now and then. I haven’t told her they are closed.

“I think the secret of her old age is that she is physically active and very independent. She had a hip operation back in December and within 30 days she was walking again.”

Miss Jones added: “She really is amazing and I know all the family can’t wait to see her. She has quite a few fans!”

Connie, who was born in 1913, was admitted to City Hospital in mid-March with suspected pneumonia and was diagnosed with coronavirus soon afterwards.

Praising NHS staff, Miss Jones, 40, added: “The care she has received at the hospital has been brilliant and I can’t fault it.

“During her stay I was kept up-to-date constantly by the nurses looking after her which made me feel so happy.

“I want to thank the staff for all they have done for her during her stay.”

Ward sister Kelly Smith added: “It’s been fantastic to see Connie recover. She is amazing and we’ve been doing our best to nurse her back to health.

“We were really pleased when she was given the all-clear. It’s nice to see patients leave our ward after having beaten this virus.”