THIS York resident says a cheeky sherry and cod liver oil have helped her reach her 105th birthday.

Phyllis Ferguson, better known as Peggy, celebrated her milestone 105th birthday at Ebor Court care home in Nether Poppleton.

Peggy said she was overwhelmed with deliveries of flowers, balloons, boxes of chocolates, presents and cards from her friends and loved ones which filled her room as she enjoyed Facetime calls with her son and grandchildren.

Born in Knaresborough in 1916, Peggy was one of nine children of Walter and Maria Hodge, who worked together tailoring women’s clothes. After leaving school aged just 14, she began working at Ackrill’s Printers, in Harrogate. Throughout her working life, Peggy also took up posts as a ticketing clerk at the Knaresborough ticket office and as a packer on the production line at Rowntree’s in York.

It was while working at the ticket office that Peggy met her husband, Alan Ferguson. The pair married in 1943 and spent an incredible 71 years together. They had one son and often enjoyed caravan holidays around the UK including Scotland, Ireland and seaside towns such as Filey.

A surprise visit from her niece helped Peggy to continue her celebrations and the Ebor Court team made sure Peggy had a special day by singing ‘happy birthday’ and presenting her with a freshly baked chocolate birthday cake.

Peggy, who has lived at Ebor Court care home since May 2019, said: "I have had a wonderful birthday and really enjoyed myself. I firmly believe the secret to a long life is staying healthy, I always take my cod liver oil tablets, but I do think a little glass of my favourite Harvey’s sherry helps too. I am very thankful to the staff at Ebor Court for everything they have done – my cake was beautiful; the team have made me feel very special."

Lifestyle manager, Susie Carman, said: "Working in the care industry is such a rewarding career and being involved in such monumental celebrations is a huge privilege. I am thrilled Peggy enjoyed her 105th birthday and felt truly special, she is such a wonderful lady and completely deserves it."

Ebor Court Home Manager, Shane Talbot, said: "It is incredibly important to us to make sure each resident feels special on their birthday and turning 105 is extremely special. I am very pleased to see how much Peggy has enjoyed her birthday."