Crowborough: World War Two land girl celebrates 103rd birthday

Grace Greenaway said of her 103rd birthday "Not everybody reaches it, but I've managed it"

A land girl from East Sussex has been celebrating her 103rd birthday with her family and a fruit cake.

Grace Greenaway, from Crowborough, worked as a land girl in Essex for three years during World War Two.

Called "Amazing Grace" by her family, Ms Greenaway said being surrounded by people you love was "top of the bill" for a long life.

She has been celebrating with lunch with her family, near her supported accommodation, Darwin House.

Her daughter, Helen Gallifant, said they would be celebrating with her mother's "favourite" fruit cake.

Grace Greenaway in the Women's Land Army

Born on 12 January 1921 in Clapton, London, Ms Greenaway was a typist for most of her working life, except for three years as a land girl during World War Two.

Land girls was the name given to women who worked on the land whilst men were away fighting during World War Two.

Ms Greenaway went on to marry her late husband, Eric and eventually moved to Sussex.

Her husband died 15 years ago but she often said: "Aren't I lucky to have had him for 60 years."

Together they had three children, with seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Ms Gallifant said her mother's outlook on life was always "cup half full"

Ms Greenaway said her proudest moment in life was having her children, and she added: "I've got all I need round me."

Despite living in supported accommodation, Ms Greenaway insists on making breakfast for herself every morning.

When asked how she does it, Ms Greenaway said: "Well, who can't get a Weetabix out on the plate - I ask you?"

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