BURNLEY Football Club's oldest supporter Elsie Hoyle is 102 today.

Teetotaller Elsie puts her longevity down to a healthy upbringing on a farm and the fact that she has never drunk alcohol, smoked or taken a tablet in her life.

Elsie celebrated her birthday with a super celebration at Palace House Nursing and Residential Home, Burnley.

Born in Gambleside, near Crawshawbooth, in 1894, Elsie can remember the days when the Wright brothers made their first aeroplane flight, Baird transmitted the first television pictures and Rutherford split the atom.

Young-at-heart Elsie has lived at Palace House for four years and enjoys sharing a room and many a long conversation with her friend, Margaret Driver.

A lifelong Burnley supporter, she still follows the fortunes of the Turf Moor team.

She has outlived her husband, Thomas, and has a son, four grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren.

A party at the home today was joined by the Mayor of Burnley, Coun Peter Swainston.

Matron Anne Ford said: "Elsie has really been looking forward to her birthday especially as she has a sweet tooth and a liking for cakes and biscuits.

"She is in remarkably good health for her age and is still a very determined, single-minded character, well loved by all the staff. She is the living proof that you really are as young as you feel.''

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