Richmond’s oldest woman died last week at the age of 107 and seven months.

Muriel Wood died peacefully in her sleep at Richmond’s Cecil Court care home, her carers said, on August 20.

She was the UK’s 96th oldest person and was described as a "great person" by home care manager Fiona Saadat.

Ms Wood’s daughter, Dorothy Rootes, said: "She had a long, varied and fulfilled life and will always be admired not only for her strong will, determination and strength of character, but also for her warmth, generosity and wicked sense of humour."

Ms Sadaat said though in the weeks before her death Ms Wood was fatigued, she was still able to recognise everyone and enjoyed speaking with carers and family.

She told the Richmond and Twickenham Times: "She was an independent lady who was very chatty, she loved speaking to every member of staff and all of the residents.

"All at the care home are saddened by her death and we plan to hold a celebration of Muriel’s life at some point after her funeral."

Ms Wood loved white clothing and guests will be asked to wear white to the celebration.

She had a passion for knitting, needlework and art, and kept a display of some of her own artwork in her bedroom.

Born in Blaina in Wales in 1908, Ms Wood was the third child in a family of seven. She spent her early years working in a local cinema, which is where she met husband Cyril.

They lived in a family cottage and had two children, Dorothy and Paul, who died in 2003. Ms Wood moved to London in 1982 after the death of her mother and husband.

After spells living near Ipswich and in Mortlake, Ms Wood moved into a retirement flat in Barnes where she stayed until she was 99. She moved to Cecil Court care home in 2007.

She is survived by Dorothy Rootes, a sister who lives in Tasmania, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.