SHE has lived for 105 years and seen two world wars, 19 prime ministers and four monarchs, yet Hilda Fox says she doesn’t feel old.

The former ballroom dancer celebrated her momentous birthday on Sunday at her home in Highcliffe, joined by her friends and family from Christchurch and beyond.

She said: “I have never felt old, I am still living here in my own home. I have been here for 40 years now and I love it.”

Born in Crewe to a large family, Mrs Fox worked in service in her youth before moving to Cheshire and a local chip shop, which is still in business today.

She married Cyril Fox and during the Second World War they moved to Dagenham, where he worked as an ambulance driver.

Work took the pair to Toronto after the war, where Mr Fox worked as a newspaper compositor, then on to San Francisco, where they lived for several decades.

On returning to the UK they retired to Christchurch, where both – enthusiastic ballroom dancers – immersed themselves in the community.

Alongside a new birthday card from the Queen, Mrs Fox also received a congratulatory telegram from Iain Duncan Smith at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Her great-niece Pam Nuttall, who travelled down from Manchester for the day, said: “She really is a phenomenal woman, you just get the feeling that she will always be here.

“The family are all long-lived, they have all been in their 90s, but none as long as her.

“She has a fantastic team of carers, who are more like friends to her really. They have become part of the family, which is lovely.”

Only last year Mrs Fox took another spin on the dance floor at the Brendoncare Haven Club in Mudeford with the help of her friends. She credits her longevity to leading an active life with plenty of dancing.