THE twentieth century has seen two world wars, the sinking of the Titanic, votes for women and man's first trip to the moon.

And Herefordshire's Dorothy Beavan has lived through all of those historic moments.

Mrs Beavan was joined by friends and family when she celebrated turning 105 on Sunday August 23 at Stretton Nursing Home, Burghill, where she has been a resident for two years.

Born in 1910, Mrs Beavan lived in Cardiff with her parents until 1938 and was taught by her father to ring the church bells at St Mary's Church in the city.

She was taught by a Jewish family business in Cardiff to become a tailor, making gentleman's clothing until she moved to Ross-on-Wye.

There, she continued her vast amount of sewing knowledge and made the school uniforms for three schools that were then based in Ross.

Mrs Beavan moved to Hereford in the late 1970s but kept up her bell ringing which she loved until she turned 80.

Speaking about Mrs Beavan, Registered Manager of Stretton Nursing Home, Libby Knight, and housekeeper, Bev Meredith, said she was very 'determined and strong-willed' and was a lover of chocolate.

Stretton Nursing Home currently cares for three residents over the age of 100.