ONE OF the East Riding's oldest residents celebrated her 104th birthday today.

Hettie Dickons, who lives at the Ashburnholme Residential Home at Stamford Bridge, is said to be in "excellent health" and looking forward to celebrating with family and friends.

A lifelong resident of Stamford Bridge, Hettie didn't move into sheltered accommodation until she was 91 after being badly burned in a fire at her bungalow. Staff at Ashburnholme describe her as "an inspiration."

"She is absolutely amazing," said manager Jennie Tate. "Although she is a little bit frail these days, her memory is outstanding and she loves to sit and talk about the past with visitors."

Asked what the secret of her veteran resident's long life was, Jennie said: "She has worked hard work for her entire life. And I think the fact that she's never got married might have something to do with it."

Updated: 10:46 Thursday, August 16, 2001