Woman celebrates 115th birthday in Surrey care home

Ethel Caterham celebrated her 115th birthday in Lightwater in Surrey

A woman believed to be the oldest person in Europe has celebrated her 115th birthday in a Surrey care home.

Ethel May Caterham (née Collins) was born on 21 August 1909 and is thought to be the last surviving subject of Edward VII.

She spent her special day at Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater celebrating with family and friends.

Mrs Caterham said "I don't know why there is all this fuss" but admitted she "had a great day".

She said the secret to her longevity is "never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like”.

The world's oldest person, Spanish pensioner Maria Branyas Morera, died on Monday aged 117. Mrs Caterham is now believed to be the oldest person in Europe.

Ethel Caterham was born in Shipton Bellinger in Hampshire and was raised in nearby Tidworth in Wiltshire.

At the age of 18, she was employed as an au pair to a military family in India.

She returned to the UK in 1931 and met her future husband Norman Caterham.

They married at Salisbury Cathedral in 1933.

Mrs Caterham celebrated with family and friends

Mr Caterham became a lieutenant colonel in the army and the couple were stationed in Hong Kong and Gibraltar.

In Hong Kong, Mrs Caterham set up a nursery.

She has spent the last 50 years living in Surrey and continued driving until she was 97.

One of her sisters, Gladys, lived to be 104.

Mrs Caterham has three granddaughters and five great grandchildren.

To mark her birthday the care home has revamped a garden, calling it "Ethel's Garden" as a lasting tribute to their most famous resident.

Mrs Caterham said she felt "very grateful".

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