BEING 103 years old, shouldn t stop you partying – it certainly didn t stop Ann Hicks from enjoying her big day on Tuesday. Mrs Hicks, who lives in Barnetson Court on Braintree Road, Great Dunmow, turned 103 years-old on Tuesday and partied with four gene

BEING 103 years old, shouldn't stop you partying - it certainly didn't stop Ann Hicks from enjoying her big day on Tuesday.

Mrs Hicks, who lives in Barnetson Court on Braintree Road, Great Dunmow, turned 103 years-old on Tuesday and partied with four generations of her family from 4pm in the afternoon.

Her family smiled as the great grandma revealed her greatest moment was meeting her beloved late husband William and when asked what it felt to be 103 she replied: "Same as ever!" with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.

Mrs Hicks' daughter, Brenda Smith, said: "It's marvellous that she has lived this long, she is a wonderful person who has always been there for us as a family when we have most needed her.

"Living a long time must run in the family; her grandfather lived until he was 107; we all think she is trying to beat that."

Family, including a niece, daughter, granddaughter and a son-in-law joined all the residents at Barnetson Court for a drink and slices of home-made cake.

Mrs Smith said: "We couldn't take her out because she is housebound and in a wheelchair

now, so we all took the celebration to her instead."

All the staff at Barnetson Court care home have special affection for Mrs Hicks, in particular carer Pam Wilkes.

She said: "She really is lovely, she has all her wits about her and talks about her family and husband all the time.

She joins in on all the functions and in particular loves our weekly bingo. We have singers who come in twice a month and she can't help but join in.

She enjoys our church services on a Sunday morning and usually follows it up with a small glass of sherry, which we all think she deserves for reaching such a great age.