Fiesty René celebrates her 104th birthday with her favourite tipple - a gin and tonic

Rene Jones marked the occasion with a party with friends and Sunderland Mayor David Snowdon, at Glenholme House in Roker, where she lives.

When she was born on February 1, 1916 Herbert Asquith was Prime Minister and Charlie Chaplin was the biggest star in the world.

Rene describes her childhood as happy but said she was often in trouble at school for talking and playing practical jokes.

She left school aged 14 to work in a drapers shop for a few years, before getting a job in Woolworths which she said was hard work, but the best paid job in Sunderland back then. After four years Rene left Woolworths for Binns, where she worked until retiring aged 70.

Rene was very close to her parents and sister Virginia, who lived to be 103.

She married Richard and they had a son, Howard. When Richard retired they had another two happy years together before he sadly passed away. She later spent 18 happy years together with Stuart, a childhood friend. .

Her favourite pastime was hiking, especially in the Lakes. Rene has always been very active, enjoying dancing and other exercise including Tai Chi.

Today she enjoys Welsh choirs, classical music – and a gin and tonic.

Glenholme House manager, Sonia Metcalfe said: “Everyone at Glenholme House agrees that Rene is a feisty character, full of life, charm and wit. All members of staff took great privilege in helping her celebrate her 104th birthday this weekend.”