A REMARKABLE 112 years young - that's Bury woman Mrs Amy Hulmes.

And one of Britain's oldest ladies marked her latest coming of age surrounded by loved ones at Chestnut Court Nursing and Residential Home on Tuesday.

Family and carers helped the birthday girl celebrate with a special tea and cake.

Mrs Hulmes was born on October 5, 1887 in Bury. She spent a long time living in Lord Street, now the home of Asda.

She was married to Phillip, who died in 1956, and had two daughters, Marjorie and Barbara.

She now has five grandchildren, one of whom lives in Australia, 15 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.

In the early years of her life, Mrs Hulmes was a weaver in a local mill as well as a wife and mother.

Her mother worked as a military midwife and her father was a drum major who was once nursed by Florence Nightingale. Outside of work and family duties, Mrs Hulmes attended Holy Trinity CE School in Bury. She liked to chat and socialise as well as knitting scarves and hats for family and friends.

She regularly used her "Rubik's Cube" later in life to assist her manipulation skills.

In later years, Amy went to live on her family's farm in Walmersley until in 1993 when she became a resident of Chestnut Court in Newton Street, Bury.

She now resides in the "Kay House" unit, enjoying the company of others and the regular visits from her family.

And Amy's thoughts on life over her remarkable 112 years . . .

"Be content with what you have" and "moderation in everything," she said.

Mark Howsham, Chestnut Court activity co-ordinator, said: "This is a very special lady and this is obviously a very special time for all connected with Amy; her family and friends, the carers and residents who wish her the very best."

He believes Amy is certainly one of Britain's oldest women - if not the oldest.

"She could well be the oldest, but we just don't know. There was a news item a while back concerning a woman who was celebrating her 114th birthday."

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