Fab Phyllis from Denbigh celebrates 105th birthday

The Denbigh centenarian was born on September 28 1919 and celebrated the milestone with her family and a card from King Charles. 

It's estimated there are less than 30 people in Wales aged 105 or older, placing Phyllis in an exclusive club. 

To celebrate, Phyllis and her family - daughters Alison Parry and Val Morrissey, granddaughters Mandy and Jo Morrissey and Debbie Parry and great-grandchild Holly Morrissey - came together for a big birthday meal. 

It took place at their family home on the Wirral, where Alison and husband John still live.

Phyllis enjoying her birthday meal at the family home on the Wirral with daughters Val and Alison (Image: Alison Parry)

"It was lovely to get everyone together," she said. "I really enjoyed my birthday.

"I love seeing my grandchildren and great grandchildren thriving and being successful, it's wonderful."

Phyllis moved to Denbighshire 47 years ago with her husband Jack. They came over from the Wirral due in part to their love of walking and climbing. 

They used to climb all over the UK, completing Snowdon and most of the major mountains in the Lake District including Scafell Pike and Helvellyn before, after 61 years of marriage, Jack sadly passed away aged 90.

Phyllis' own mother lived to 97 and she said she still reminisces about her own younger days, particularly working for John Bibby and Sons in Liverpool.

"I was a shorthand typist," she said. "I would have to walk along the dock road and there were almost no cars then, just carts being pulled by huge heavy horses."

Daughter Alison said her mum was an inspiration. 

"She has always been a kind mother, we had a wonderful upbringing," she said.  "She just gets on with things. Whatever life throws at her, she deals with it with good grace.

"We have a great family meal for her birthday and a beautiful cake. It was fantastic that everyone was able to come and celebrate with her."