SHE still feels on top of the world - a year after achieving a lifelong ambition by taking to the skies in a helium balloon.

Surrounded by family and friends, champion pensioner Joan Mackay toasted her 105th birthday at a double celebration which was also attended by 103-year-old Doris Clark.

The two women, who both live at the Court Lodge care home in Ridgeway Lane, Lymington, have birthdays that fall on consecutive days.

Julia Puia, an activities organiser at the Colten Care-run home, said: “Joan and Doris are both very popular and really got into the spirit of the occasion, enjoying a glass or two of sparkling wine before presiding over the cutting of their birthday cakes.

“We all feel deeply honoured to be caring for these ladies who have enjoyed such long and interesting lives.”

Joan, the oldest resident at Court Lodge, said: “It’s been a truly wonderful birthday.”

She was born in Glasgow but spent several years in Canada, where she worked as a secretary and met her husband while playing tennis.

In September last year staff at Court Lodge arranged for her to soar almost 500 feet into the air in the gondola of the Bournemouth Balloon.

Doris Clark was born at East End, near Lymington, and moved with her family to Church Lane, Pilley, in 1923, where she lived for 87 years.

She worked as a maid in Christchurch, Bournemouth and London before becoming a machinist for Wellworthy Engineering in Lymington.

During the Second World War she worked from 7pm until 7am, cycling to work in her bib and brace overalls and wooden clogs.

Doris, who has never married, was a keen gardener and walker in her younger days and still enjoys the fresh air in Court Lodge’s garden.