A WOMAN born before the First World War celebrated a very special occasion over the weekend as she turned an incredible 105.

Gladys Deacon was surrounded by friends and family at Ashbrook Court Care Home in Chingford on Saturday to mark the milestone birthday.

Born in Ilford, in 1912, Gladys went on to help in the Second World War effort at Plessey’s factory in Ley Street, Ilford, which manufactured vital aircraft parts for the RAF.

In September 1940, the factory suffered severe damage from Nazi raid during the The Blitz.

Before the war, Gladys met Thomas Deacon in 1932 at the Perseverance Club and they married a year later.

She and Tom were married for 57 years and had one daughter, Janet, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

After the war Gladys became a cook at the Papermakers Arms in Roden Street and later at ABC Bakers in Cranbrook Road.

Torie Pollard, manager at Ashbrook said: “Gladys is a gentle soul and a delight to look after.

“She had a wonderful day surrounded by other residents, staff and family, with a buffet, balloons and a birthday cake, and of course that all important letter from the Queen.”

From now on the centenarian will receive a birthday card each year from Her Majesty the Queen.