Oadby: Woman celebrates 105th birthday with surprise party

Eva Allen came to the UK from South Africa in 1947

A woman from Leicestershire has celebrated her 105th birthday with a surprise party with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Staff at the MHA Aigburth home, in Oadby, kept the gathering a secret from Eva Allen, who was delighted to be joined by family members for a day of music, singing and dancing.

She received a telegram of congratulations from King Charles III.

Mrs Allen said her faith had been the secret to her long life.

Sharnia Birt, the home's senior carer, said: "Eva was treated like a princess on her birthday and it was a really special day.

"The highlight of the day for her was seeing the telegram from the King.

"We showed the telegram she received when she was 100, which was from the Queen, and kept both of them together."

Mrs Allen, pictured centre with her family, celebrated her birthday on 23 December

Mrs Allen came to the UK from South Africa in 1947 - initially to London but then she moved to Leicester in the 1950s to be closer to her sisters.

She worked as a seamstress, married her husband Norman and lived with him in Oadby until he died in 2020.

She was a Red Cross volunteer and is a member of the Melbourne Hall Church in Leicester.

Ms Birt said Mrs Allen had "thanked everyone and had a huge smile on her face" after the birthday celebration on 23 December.

She added: "We always ask her what's the secret to a long life, and her response is always the same, just believe in God, it's all his way."