Happy birthday Ivy -102 today

BIRTHDAY GIRL . . . Ivy Howard

SPRIGHTLY Ivy Howard refuses to let a nasty cold stop her from doing her daily exercises — even though she does turn 102 today.

The birthday girl, who lives with daughter Aileen Wood in Scouthead, is fighting off a bug but that doesn’t mean she has stopped her cleaning, exercising, reading and crocheting routine.

The great-grandmother’s line dancing days have been put on hold but Ivy is still planning to celebrate her big day with a party for family and friends at the weekend.

Aileen (74) said: “Mum likes to keep herself busy with her favourite TV programmes, reading and keeping her room clean, but this cold really knocked her for six.

“She is recovering well and she is really looking forward to her birthday celebrations.”

For her 100th birthday, kind-hearted Ivy requested donations to Dr Kershaw’s instead of presents and she raised £500 for the Royton hospice.

Ivy’s secret to a long life is home cooked food and she admits that not smoking and not being a heavy drinker have helped her stay healthy.