WORCESTER pensioner Alice Potter was all smiles as she celebrated reaching the grand old age of 106 surrounded by her nearest and dearest.

Mrs Potter was born in Westminster in 1906 and trained as a school teacher shortly after the First World War.

Teaching jobs at Acocks Green, Birmingham, and at Cherry Orchard, Worcester, followed before she moved to Oxford, where she met husband Dennis.

At the age of 60 she emigrated to Australia with her husband and son.

She lived and taught there for almost 20 years before she was unfortunately widowed and returned to England, settling in Worcester.

For the next two decades she lived at St Oswalds Almshouses, becoming a very active member of St Martin’s Church in the Cornmarket, and playing an active role in parish activities well into her late 80s.

Mrs Potter is now living at Morton House nursing home, Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, where she celebrated her special day in the company of her loved ones, fellow residents and staff.