UK's oldest person dies at 111

A woman believed to be the oldest person in the UK has died at the age of 111.

Tributes were paid to Ann Turnbull, who saw two world wars during her lifetime and was born when Queen Victoria was on the throne.

She had lived at Victoria Manor Nursing Home in Leith, Edinburgh, where she had moved in 2008 after staying in sheltered accommodation.

Mrs Turnbull died on Friday at the home two weeks before her 112th birthday on September 21.

Sue Donaldson, manager at the care home, said today: "She was believed to be the oldest woman in the UK.

"It was our privilege to look after her. The staff at the home will certainly miss her very much."

She was brought up in Stoneyburn, West Lothian, before she moved to Edinburgh after leaving school at the age of 14.

Mrs Turnbull went into service working for a family in Edinburgh.

Her daughter Margaret Paterson, 77, told the Edinburgh Evening News: "She didn't like to make a fuss. Everybody that knew her had a good word to say about her. You can make a lot of friends in 111 years.

"She was a wonderful woman and while she lived to a marvellous age, the years always failed to show."

A notice published today in the Edinburgh Evening News said: "The family are sad to announce the peaceful passing of Ann at Victoria Manor Nursing Home, on Friday, September 3, 2010, beloved mother to Margaret (Paterson) and the late Jan (McKenna), mother-in-law to Bill and the late Bert, grandmother to Cameron, Alistair, David, Moira and their partners.

"G.G. as she was lovingly known by her seven grandchildren. Ann was a loving and very special lady who touched the hearts of people who knew and loved her. She will be missed by her family and closest friends, some of which are residents of Manderston Court where she spent 18 years.

"Ann had not long gained the title of Britain's eldest person at 111 years. She was honoured but did not know what all the fuss was about, she was not anyone special. We all beg to differ."

The notice said a service will be held at Seafield Crematorium in Edinburgh on Saturday.