FOUR different monarchs have ruled the country in the last 107 years but one Chorleywood woman has lived to see them all.

Mrs Agnes Graham – known as 'nan' to most people, 'aunt nan' to cousins and 'great nan' to her grandchildren – was born in 1896 and celebrates her 107th birthday on Thursday, June 19.

She spent the day celebrating with family, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Widowed for 68 years, Mrs Graham moved to the area from Scotland more than 40 years ago, with her son James and his family.

She lived with them before buying a house in Chorleywood to regain her independence.

At the age of 107 she is still able to live alone but is visited by family members several times a week.

Mrs Graham keeps busy by visiting the library each week to withdraw new books to read, watching television – particularly golf as her late husband was a keen golfer, as is her son – and spending time with her family.

Her son, Mr James Graham said: "My mother is amazing.

"Occasionally she needs a stick to walk and glasses to read but she is still independent and active at 107 years old and we are all very proud of her."

Mrs Graham was suprised with a cake by members of The Friendship Club, based at St Andrews Church in Chorleywood, of which she is a regular member.

However, she still has a few years before she can challenge for the title of oldest woman in the UK, that title belongs to Gladys Hawley, who was born on 18 December 1891.