STAYING active and a healthy lifestyle are credited for one Dawlish resident making it to the age of 105.

Irene Sadler celebrated her major milestone birthday with a party at a Dawlish care home where she now lives.

Born in Sheffield as Irene Green in 1920, her early life saw her grow up with her father, a publican, and her mother who was a housewife.

Irene also had two younger sisters, Joan and Winnifred.

Her life changed dramatically during the Second World War.

She served as a secretary in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) from 1943 to 1947.

After the war, she married Ronald Sadler in 1950 and their daughter Christine was later born.

Irene’s family has since grown to include three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

In 2010, at the age of 90, Irene moved to live in retirement accommodation at Royal Court in Teignmouth.

She now lives at Claremont Manor Care Home in Dawlish.

Despite celebrating her 100th birthday during the lockdown in 2020, Irene made up for it this year with a lively party surrounded by friends at Claremont Manor, where she has lived since last year.

She attributes her longevity to a healthy diet and staying active, previously playing tennis, netball and bowls.

A spokesman for Claremont Manor said: ‘she continues to walk around the gardens daily and enjoys engaging conversations with her friends and family.

‘Her independence and zest for life are truly inspiring.’

Irene is one of only about 640 people in the UK who are aged 105 or over.