Pensioner celebrates 21st birthday

An 84-year-old woman will turn back time tomorrow as she celebrates her 21st birthday.

As pensioner Jean Simms' birthday falls on February 29 it will be the only the twenty first time she has celebrated her birthday on the correct day.

A party will be held in her honour at the Acres Nook care home where she lives in Stoke-on-Trent, and Ms Simms said she was looking forward to a night on the tiles.

She said: "I'm hoping for the key to the door so my fellow residents and I can go out on the town.

"If truth be told though, I think I'd rather stay here with a nice cup of tea and my jigsaw puzzle." However, unlike most 21-year-olds she spends much of her time relaxing and enjoying her favourite hobbies - knitting, jigsaw puzzles and playing cards.

Ms Simms, originally from Tunstall in Stoke-on-Trent, has a son and two daughters who will be joining her as she celebrates her big day.

Staff at the HC-One care home have organised her party inviting relatives, residents and staff to enjoy a glass of fizz and a piece of cake, complete with 21 candles.

Kim Suttle, HC-One Acres Nook care home manager, said: "We all love celebrating each resident's birthday, but the staff and residents are particularly excited to be celebrating a 21st birthday.

Jean is a wonderful lady and we are excited to be celebrating this milestone with her.

"It is unique to celebrate a 21st birthday and we all joke that Jean is the youngest HC-One resident in the country, and all staff are making sure Jean has a day to remember."

PA