ONE of Devon's oldest residents, Gladys Wood, will celebrate her 107th birthday next Tuesday (May 24).

Gladys, who is known for her happy demeanour, will celebrate with family members at Abbotsfield Hall Nursing Home in Tavistock, where she has been a resident for nine years.

Born in 1904 in Parsons Green, London, Gladys worked for the Gas Light and Coke company as a secretary before she married Frederick in 1930 and had two children, a son and a daughter. The couple later lived in Hatch End, Middlesex where Gladys played the church organ for many years.

Her husband died in 1980 and 17 years ago Gladys moved with her daughter and son-in-law Joy and Geoffrey Davis to Gunnislake. She has four grandsons and nine great grandchildren.

Mrs Davis said: 'I don't know what mum's secret is but she is still smiling, she is always smiling and she is known at the home for her happy demeanour. She has reached a fantastic age and has three birthday cards from the Queen.'