'Phenomenal' woman shares inspiring message on 112th birthday

One of the oldest people in Britain has celebrated her 112th birthday by reminding people to "make the best of whatever life throws at you".

Born in London months before the start of World War One, Marjorie Hodnett lives at care home in Formby where residents held a party in her honour earlier.

Care home managers said she is the fifth oldest person in the North West and "a gift that keeps on giving" as they presented her with a signed card from King Charles.

The centenarian's niece Katie Smith told BBC Radio Merseyside she was "thrilled" to receive the royal message and was likely to be "shattered" after her birthday celebrations.

"She's doing remarkably well. She's had a few health scares over the last couple of weeks, but has come out the other side and has really been looking forward to today," Smith said.

Marjorie, known as Marj, told BBC Radio Merseyside she remembers hiding under the dining room table during the German bombing of Britain during the First World War.

"I can remember being held up against my mother's left shoulder and hearing the words, 'zeppelin, zeppelin'. And I thought that's a nice word."

Deputy care centre manager Adele Sandison said birthdays have "always been a big thing" for Marj.

"Honestly, she's phenomenal, she's just the gift that keeps giving. Every day she's always so full of life and so full of positivity," she added.

Reflecting on her long life and lessons for future generations, Marj told the BBC: "Do all the good that you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, as long as ever you can.

"If you do that, it doesn't get you a happy life, or a sad one, but it does mean that you've made the best of whatever life throws at you".

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