An Ipswich woman is celebrating her 103rd birthday today - after last year surviving after catching the coronavirus.

Florence Lucas received dozens of birthday cards - and had a visit from the mayor to mark her special day.

Florence was born just a few weeks before the First World War ended, more than a century ago on October 25, 1918.

East Anglian Daily Times: Florence blowing out candles on her cake - unfortunately 103 candles on a cake would have probably broken some health and safety rulesFlorence blowing out candles on her cake - unfortunately 103 candles on a cake would have probably broken some health and safety rules (Image: Hazeldell Residential Home)

Today at Hazeldell Residential Home, she was joined by family, residents and even children from a local nursery who wanted to bring her gifts and cards, to mark the impressive achievement.

The day featured a game of pass the parcel with the children and plenty of Rod Stewart - her favourite artist.

East Anglian Daily Times: One of Florence's favourite pastimes is listening to Rod StewartOne of Florence's favourite pastimes is listening to Rod Stewart (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

She also received dozens of birthday cards after the care home asked to see if Florence could get 103 cards for 103 years.

Florence grew up in Rushmere on Renfrew road and worked as a knicker seamstress.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mayor cllr Elizabeth Hughes and FlorenceMayor cllr Elizabeth Hughes and Florence (Image: Hazeldell Residential Home)

Last year Florence unfortunately caught Covid, but Hazeldell home manager Emma said she was able to brush it off: "It was so strange, it was like she had a little cold.

"She just went off her food a little bit."

East Anglian Daily Times: Florence with children from the local nursery who wanted to visit to say happy birthday to herFlorence with children from the local nursery who wanted to visit to say happy birthday to her (Image: Hazeldell Residential Home)

East Anglian Daily Times: Florence celebrating her 103rd birthdayFlorence celebrating her 103rd birthday (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)