�A Hornchurch woman has celebrated her 105th birthday.

Charlotte Staub was born in Berlin, Germany, on March 20, 1907.

Though she uses the surname Staub, her birth name was Goldstaub.

She left Germany to move to west London where she had a job with teashop chain J. Lyons and Co and became a “nippy” – one of their famous waitresses.

She lived in London until moving to Hornchurch in the 1970s after retiring.

Charlotte, who never married, celebrated her 100th birthday in her bungalow. She moved to her present home at Hillside Nursing Home in North Hill Drive, Harold Hill, shortly afterwards.

Staff held a party for her which was crowned with a visit from Havering mayor Cllr Melvin Wallace. He presented Charlotte with a bunch of flowers.

The home’s administrator, Karen Cook, said: “She had her friends around and we had a tea party for them.

“Charlotte also received a telegram from the Department of Work and Pensions.

“Another resident, Dorothy Holding, was celebrating her birthday and turned 95. So we had a party for them both.

“Entertainment was provided by Simon and Beth, which everyone enjoyed.”

Keen gardener

She added: “When Charlotte first retired, she loved her garden and spent many happy hours tending her many flowers and shrubs.

“She also travelled a great deal abroad with her friend who sadly died some years ago.

“Though quite frail now, she still eats well and is in very good general health for her age. She is loved and well cared for.”