It was the year King George V was crowned and the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre - but for one Redbridge resident 1911 means something more.

Maud Bailey, of Wanstead, celebrated her 103rd birthday last week and puts her long life down to a “healthy diet” and good “sense of humour”.

The birthday girl, who grew up in Bow, now lives at Sanctuary Care’s Forest Dene Residential Care Home, in Hermon Hill, and always has a smile on her face, according to the home’s manager Gracy Bhoopalan.

She added: “She is always laughing and has a very cheeky and mischievous side to her. She is a real pleasure to be around and we are so proud to be celebrating this milestone with her.”

Maud left her school in Bow to follow in her mother’s footsteps, becoming a machinist making underwear.

It was during her time there that she met her husband, Frederick Bailey, who she married at the age of 21. Despite more than 80 years passing since that day, her memories of Bill, as he was known, have never faded.

She added: “We were very happy together.”

The 103-year-old celebrated her birthday with fellow residents and staff, with entertainment provided by singer Peter King.