A 103-year-old woman who lived through two world wars delivered a Remembrance day message to younger generations to mark her birthday this week.

Great-grandmother Ruby Liffen, a resident at RMBI Home James Terry Court in South Croydon, has advised younger generations to “appreciate what they’ve got”.

Ruby was born on 7th November 1915 in Great Yarmouth, a year after the start of the First World War.

She spent most of her young life there, eventually meeting her late husband Edgar Liffen.

Ruby and Edgar were married in September 1939, the year the Second World War began. Ruby then moved to Preston in Lancashire to be near where Edgar was stationed in Army.

During this period, she worked in the local post office and the couple later had a son.

Ruby, who has lived at James Terry Court since 2016, has two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The secret to her long life, she says is: “always keeping active and enjoying lots of cycling over the years”.

Ruby celebrated her birthday with fellow residents and staff at James Terry Court, enjoying gifts, flowers, afternoon tea and birthday cake.

The Home’s Activities Coordinator, Carol Roberts, said: "It was an honour to celebrate Ruby’s 103rd birthday at our Home.

"She wanted a quiet celebration, so we organised a low key afternoon tea and it was really nice.

"We toasted the occasion with a glass of champagne!”