AN EX-pub landlady who attributes her longevity to cod liver oil has celebrated her 104th birthday.

Alice Leaf is a former landlady of the Phoenix Pub, in George Street, York. She was born in Heworth on January 21, 1905, and lived with her family in Bromley Street, off Leeman Road.

She started work at Terry’s on her 14th birthday in 1919 and remembers her father returning from serving in the trenches during the First World War.

Mrs Leaf married her policeman husband, Stanley, in 1928 and the couple went to live in Wakefield for his work. They also lived in Whitby before returning to York.

Her son, Raymond, said: “You would not think she was her age. She is laughing and joking and when she was 100 the mayor came to visit and went to the wrong person as my mother didn’t look old enough.”

Yesterday, a birthday party was held for Mrs Leaf at Fordlands Residential Home, in Fulford, which was attended by her family and friends.

Manager Maureen Carr said that up until last year Mrs Leaf had been living in her own home and only visited Fordlands as a day guest. She said: “Unfortunately, at the beginning of 2008 she suffered a fall in her own home and was taken to hospital to recover and then to Fordlands to recuperate.

“It was at this time she decided to come to Fordlands permanently.

“She has all her faculties about her and a great sense of humour.

“She has her own teeth, enjoys her food and is very easy to please.”

Mrs Leaf outlived her husband along with her siblings but has Raymond and two daughters, Patricia and Barbara, two grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Along with family and friends, the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Brian Watson, also dropped in at Fordlands to wish her a happy birthday.