BOURNEMOUTH'S oldest resident says that she has received birthday cards from across the globe to celebrate her 108 birthday.

Hilda Baybutt, who lives at Glenhurst Manor, on West Cliff Road, said that friends and relatives have sent cards from as far away as Australia to mark her special birthday on Sunday, February 7.

She said: "Amongst the cards, I've got ones from Australia, Germany, France and Jersey. I don't know how all these people have remembered this birthday."

When asked she feels about turning 108, she said: "I feel a bit more than 18, but I don't know how I should feel at 108.

"Everybody asks me how to reach 108 and I tell them that if I knew the secret, I would bottle it, then write a book and hope to sell it and make money. I don't know what else I would do if I knew the secret, but it would be nice to make some money. I'd buy my family and friends some nice things."

Mrs Baybutt says that she enjoys watching TV, chats with her best friend, Michelle Huxford, 54, and reading history books and those 'with a good story' as she now has very limited mobility.

She said that the proudest moment of her life was the birth of her son, Nick, now 72. "I had this gorgeous boy. That was very, very special because I waited 10 years to get him because in those days they didn't have IVF. That was the most special thing. He's beautiful and gorgeous and a lovely son."

On Sunday she will enjoy a meal with her son, his wife and their three sons and partners, while the family looks forward to the arrival of Mrs Baybutt's first great grandchild in the spring.

Her son, Nick said: "We've looked and she's the 84th oldest person in the UK and Bournemouth's oldest resident. I am delighted that she is still here and is mentally so strong.

"She's not a great supporter of the Cherries, but we look for the match report each week and as their oldest supporter, she hopes that Bournemouth will beat Arsenal on Sunday."