ONE of the country’s oldest people has celebrated her 106th birthday in Abergele.
Gladys Dyster felt “like a queen” on her birthday on Monday at Amber House residential home, where she was treated to a special party to mark the momentous day.
Born in Chingford, Essex, Gladys moved to North Wales after the Second World War and worked on Llandudno’s tram network as a clippy, or conductor.
Gladys’ great niece Rachel Christie, of Wrexham, said: “Aunty Gladys has always had to care for people, and she’s actually spent most of her life caring for people in her family.
“She’s very jolly. She really is a lovely lady.”
At the age of 93, Gladys took to the skies of Denbigh in a glider as a competition prize after her 60-year-old friend felt she was too old.
Gladys moved to Amber House three years ago having lived to the age of 103 in her own home with the support of her family.
She now suffers with dementia and alzheimer’s disease, but is as confident and lively as ever.
Rachel added: “She’s always been independent and strong willed, and that’s why we were determined to help her live on her own for as long as possible.
“But they do a hard job in Amber House and they work so hard to care for people like Gladys.”
Gladys says that carrots are the secret to her long life.
Amber House Care Assisstant and Activities Co-ordinatior Suzanne Swift said: “Gladys is the oldest resident in the home by some way - the next oldest person we have is 98.
“But Gladys is such a character and she’s just so lovely - always the life and soul of the party.
“She loves to get up and wander about, and she’s very quick on her feet.
“She also loves singing. She tends to just burst into song whenever it takes her.”