Woman, 105, marks birthday with Cockney party

Ada Cook has been at the care home since 2018 and recently celebrated her 105th birthday with residents and her family

A woman has marked her 105th birthday with a Cockney-themed party reminiscing on her youth.

Ada Cook, who is a resident at Alexandra House Care Home in Harlow, was born in London before moving to Essex during World War Two.

Her friends, family and fellow residents celebrated her birthday at the home, with a live singer and photographs from her younger years were displayed.

Paul, her son, said he was sincerely thankful for the care home for organising "such a wonderful" birthday.

Ms Cook received a congratulatory card from King Charles III which she said was a proud moment for her.

The care home said she moved to Epping in Essex during the war and worked at the Waltham Abbey gunpower mills making bombs.

She did not like air raid shelters and would sometimes refuse to go in them even when bombs were landing near her, they added.

When she was in her 90s she continued to help the community by doing decorations for different events.

In a statement in tribute to Ms Cook, home deputy manager Judith Buenafe said she made the staff "laugh" and help them "grow professionally".

"Your spirit remains as vibrant as ever, and we are here to remind you of that," she added.