UNTIL she was 99, Edith Rutter was cooking her own meals and living at home.

As she celebrates her 102nd birthday, the much loved gran, from Acton Bridge, can still vividly remember everything and loves to have a chat.

Her daughter Margaret Musgrave said: "She is remarkable. She is a born organiser and was always volunteering to do things.

"She was very active in the WI and used to do a lot of knitting. She used to knit and crochet babywear for premature babies at Leighton Hospital.

"When she was 90 she took herself off to France and was doing her own meals until she was 99."

Edith, from Northwich, was one of six children born to Jack and Sarah Bunkall.

Her dad worked for ICI in Northwich and was transferred to Weston Point in Runcorn.

"Mum was 14 when they moved and got a job in the stores in the canteen," said Margaret.

In 1940, Edith married George Rutter, who served in the Second World War as a sergeant major in the Royal Artillery with the Desert Rats.

The couple lived in Weston village and Edith gave up her job to look after her twins Margaret and her brother John.

In 1967 they moved to Acton Bridge and George died 20 years later.

Edith was very involved in community and attended Little Leigh Parish Church and Acton Bridge Methodist Chapel for many years.

"Mum's been very fortunate," added Margaret. "She loves to talk and remembers everything."

Edith moved into Crossways Care Home in Lostock Gralam four months ago as her physical health weakened.

Deputy manager Samantha Stockton said: "Edith is amazing. She likes to sit and have a chit chat and tell you about her past.

"She can still walk short distances, has a very good diet and only has one tablet in a morning.

"She is a lovely lady and is so caring, she always thinks about everyone else. You couldn't meet a nicer person."

Edith's family joined residents to mark her special birthday with a celebration cake.

"We all sang happy birthday," added Samantha. "Edith was in her element. She received loads of cards because she knows that many people."