A CARE home in Hatch Beauchamp could be forgiven for running out of birthday cake candles after two residents celebrated reaching the ripe old age of 105.

But staff will have to get in a new supply with another woman's 100th three weeks away and Philippa Roberts due to clock up her century in March, while Bobbie Dean reached three figures in January this year.

Ivy Joy Barns, one of two people living at Beauchamp House who was born before the First World War, has reached 105.

The current Queen's grandfather, George V, was king, and Herbert Asquith was Prime Minister when Mrs Barns came into the world in Guernsey, on October 20, 1912.

She was the middle of five children, with three sisters and a brother, the daughter of Professor Spearman, one of the people instrumental in developing Mensa.

In 1939, she married Harold Barns, who served in the army during both world wars, and the couple had two daughters, Linda who lived in the USA and who died recently, and Sue, who lives locally and often visits.

Mrs Barns loved travelling in her younger days, once enjoying a round-the-world trip with her husband and visiting her younger sister in Chile in her 90s.

She was delighted to receive a birthday card from the Queen and enjoyed a celebration lunch at nearby Farthings Country House Hotel and Restaurant.

Mrs Barns puts her long life down to a daily glass of red wine.

Pat Britten, nurse manager at Beauchamp House, said: "We were delighted to celebrate Ivy Joy’s 105th birthday with her.

"She is such a special lady who has achieved so many amazing things in her life. It was lovely for her to enjoy her birthday surrounded by family and friends."

The other 105-year-old is Pam Chilcott, who reached the landmark on June 2, another globetrotter who was born in Luton, but travelled all round the world with her husband, John, who was in the RAF.

A keen sportswoman in her younger days, she enjoyed athletics, winning many high jump medals, tennis and swimming and was a keen seamstress.

She now enjoys listening to talking books.

Asked about the key to her longevity, Mrs Chilcott said: "I wish I knew. But I don’t smoke and I don’t drink, apart from the odd Baileys on high days and holidays."

She celebrated her big day this summer with an afternoon tea, when she was joined by her daughter and son, friends, residents and staff at Beauchamp House.

At the time, Mrs Britten said: "Our team works really hard to make sure our residents’ birthdays are really special events – especially milestone birthdays like these.

"Pam was very pleased with her special card from the Queen."