A WOMEN who drove a canteen van during the Blitz through the docks in Swansea to feed the servicemen has celebrated a remarkable birthday.

Thought to be Bradford on Avon's oldest resident, Phyllis Mulholland turned 103 years old on Tuesday at Wiltshire Heights care home.

Staff and residents organised a surprise party where there was cake and local guitarist David Moss sang songs, some in Welsh, for people to enjoy.

Mrs Mulholland said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying it. I didn’t expect all of this fuss but I’m surprised to be celebrating my 103rd birthday. I moved to Wiltshire to be near my daughter about 15 years ago as I was tired of travelling from Swansea up and down so I wanted to settle here.

“I’ve been a very lucky person with a great family and husband so I’m thankful there have been no hiccups.

Mrs Mulholland was born in 1917 and later married late husband Richard. She lived independently in Bradford until recently, only moving into the Berryfield Road home last October.

Her daughter Christine Cross, 70, from Bradford on Avon, said: “She was born in South Wales, from a coal mining family up in the Swansea valley but moved to Wiltshire 15 years ago.

“My mum has only been at the home a few months but they have been incredibly kind.

The Welsh connection is great because she is from there and supports the rugby team.

“She has two children, but her son died, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She celebrated with the family on Sunday and everyone came far and wide to see her. She is always interested in what the younger kids are doing and it’s amazing for them being able to ask her so much about the past.”

Speaking about her time during the war Mrs Mulholland said: “Being in my early 20’s I didn’t want to go into the forces but you had to be occupied somewhere. But not many women were able to drive so it was interesting to do."

Mrs Mulholland asked for a special request for her birthday to go to the beach, and now the staff plan to take her to Weston-super-Mare when the weather warms up.

“The secret to my old age is the luck of the draw. I think it’s good genes really and healthy parents," Mrs Mulholland added.

Libby Miles client service manager said: “She has made this her home. She is an amazing lady who is strong-willed and glamorous. She goes along to many of our days out so she is full of energy.”