THE OLDEST lady in Essex has celebrated her 110th birthday with a glass of Baileys.

Florence Ivy Cook turned 110 last Thursday, which makes her the seventh oldest person in the UK and the oldest in the county.

Mrs Cook, who has lived at Forest Care Home in Sible Hedingham for eight years, is still able to chat and have fun with other residents and staff.

Her son Derek, 79, from Great Yeldham, said his mum was still on the ball.

She was born near Newmarket and worked as a secretary in her younger years.

He said she married her husband Harold and moved to Toppesfield about 30 years ago.

He said: "He used to live in Surrey and he would get on his motorbike to come and visit mum.

"He was 88 when he died and my mum was a couple of years older.

"She has actually written a book on her life called Ivy's Story.

"She used to get the mini bus to pick her up from her house and take her to the Halstead Day Centre- she used to love that.

"I take her the Daily Express every weekend and she does the crossword, even I can't do that.

"She's still really alert and had a great time at the party we held for her."

The care home held a party for her to mark the special occasion last week.

Her great-granddaughter Bobbie came to visit- there are 106 years between the two of them.

Mr Cook said his mum, who also has a daughter called Pam, was sat with a glass of Baileys at the party.

Michelle Sims, manager at the home, said: "All her family and the other residents joined in the celebrations.

"She is such a lovely lady, because she has been here a long time she knows all the residents and staff by name.

"She is a much-loved woman who has always been in quite good health.

"She seems to be enjoying here time here and we are really proud that she has been here so long.

"She's reached a grand old age now and we are proud to look after her."