ASTUTE Phyllis Sharp still loves to hear what's going on in the world as she celebrates her 106th birthday.

The great grandmother was thrilled to speak to her grandson Robert, 51, who lives in America on a live video link as she became one of the oldest residents in Northwich.

King George V was on the throne when she was born and she has lived through three monarchs and 20 prime ministers.

Phyllis was able to cook her own dinner until she was 103 and always looks forward to talking to her family.

"She takes an avid interest in all her grandchildren," said her daughter Diana Woods, 76, who lives in Bournemouth. "She likes to hear what is going on in the news.

"She could cook simple means for herself, put salmon in the oven and boil potatoes up to three years ago."

Phyllis was born on Dean Street in Rudheath, had piano lessons and attended Victoria Road School.

Northwich Guardian:

Phyllis when she was a young girl

At 14, she got a job at JW Coombes, a Northwich department store and worked there for 30 years.

"I started as an assistant and went on to be a buyer in the gent's department," said Phyllis, who moved to Manchester Road in Lostock after she married railway signal man Joe in March 1942.

Northwich Guardian:

Phyllis and her husband Joe enjoyed holidays in Cornwall

Phyllis went on to serve customers at Ennion and Hill, another local store selling baby and young children's clothing, after Coombes closed.

During the war, she worked at a munitions factory in Risley while Joe served in the Home Guard.

Northwich Guardian:

Phyllis and her husband Joe enjoyed holidays in Europe

"Dad was a keen gardener and grew all his own veg," said Diane. "Mum did the gardening after dad died. It was a big garden with lots of fruit trees. Mum bottled fruit and always made blackcurrant jam and redcurrant jelly."

Phyllis started worshipping at Bourne Methodist Chapel on Witton Street when she was five and regularly attended Northwich Methodist Church.

Northwich Guardian:

Phyllis celebrating her 100th birthday with her family

Over the years she held several roles within the church including secretary of the wives group and a church steward.

"Chapel plays a big part in her life," said Diane. "At one point she played the organ."

Northwich Guardian:

The Methodist chapel has always played an important part in Phyllis' life

Phyllis maintained her independence when she lived at Queen Elizabeth House, doing her own cooking, laundry and shopping once a week going on dial a ride to Tesco.

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In 2016, she moved into Acorn Hollow Care Home.

Northwich Guardian:

Phyllis has always walked a lot and enjoyed gardening

"Mum has always walked a lot," said Diane. "She is now blind and has arthritis but still has a great appetite and enjoys fish, salmon and lamb."

Phyllis has two grandchildren Robert, 51 and Louise, 49 and two great grandchildren Will, 15 and Mae, 12.