Probably Ross' oldest resident, Able Mabel Blackwell celebrated her 105th birthday on Feb 11th Mabel was staying with her son, Reg, in Colchester where she received her second congratulations card from the Queen.

She has been staying with Reg since September because Brian, her son who lives in Ross, has been seriously ill. However he is much better now and after a special celebration lunch on February 14th at Jamie Oliver's father's pub near Stansted they will be returning to Ross.

Mabel is looking forward to renewing her aquaintance with her many friends.

Mabel is known locally as Able Mabel because of her zest for life and reputation for keeping busy. She believes that the secret of her long life is 'moderation in everything.'

She even entered the record books when she was the oldest patient to receive a hip replacement at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital when she was 102.

Despite her age, Mabel wanted to have a hip replacement operation so she could maintain her active lifestyle.

At the time her Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Nadi Kalap, said: "Mabel may be physically 102, but she has the spirit of an 80-year-old."

The sprightly centenarian, who has 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and five great, great-grandchildren, loves playing card games and crocheting blankets for charity.