WHEN the daughter of Ivy Clapham asked for "Happy 110th birthday" to be written on a shiny balloon, the shop assistant thought she had misheard her.
Ivy, of Kirk Ella, is now the oldest person in the East Riding and Yorkshire – and she is still as bright as ever.
Born in the same year as the Wright Brothers' first flight and Ford's first car, she has lived through more than most – including two World Wars.
But Ivy, who lives with her daughter Ursula Leak in Valley Drive, takes the title of county's eldest resident in her stride.
"I don't feel any different, I just can't walk very well, that's all," said Ivy.
"I forget things, too, but forgetting is the easiest thing to do, so that's OK."
Despite her age, up until 18 months ago, Ivy lived in her own home in Skidby.
She was originally from Alford in Lincolnshire, but came to the region to work at Bishop Burton Hall in her late teens as a maid for the Hall-Watt family.
There she met husband, gamekeeper Frederick Clapham. The couple married in 1928 and had three children, Ursula, John Clapham and Margaret Johnson.
Fred died 23 years ago, but memories of days in Bishop Burton are as clear as ever for Ivy, who described them as the "happiest of her life".
And she believes this country life is why she has lived so long.
She said: "I think it's down to taking everything as it comes, that and living in the country. I loved living in our little cottage in Bishop Burton."
Ursula said: "She always puts it down to having lots of fresh air and living country life.
"She is a non-smoker and drinker although, lately, she has taken to having a little glass of Bailey's. I think that's allowed at her age.
"Her hearing isn't too good, but she is still very bright. If someone mentions something way back from her childhood, she can tell them exactly what happened, right up to the finest detail."
Upon retirement, she and Fred later moved to Skidby and opened the West End Stores shop in the village.
She has eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and will spend today, celebrating with them and friends.
Ursula said: "She has always been very independent and would look after herself and everybody else.
"She has been a wonderful mum. We have all had a happy life and childhood."
