THE oldest person in Britain has died at the age of 111 it was announced.

Hilda Clulow passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve with her family and friends by her side at her care home.

She was born on March 15, 1908 – only seven years after the death of Queen Victoria and the year London first hosted the Olympic games, the boy scout movement was founded and when a loaf of bread cost just 1p.

Hilda lived through 27 prime ministers, five monarchs and survived both world wars and last March celebrated her 111th birthday with a 1940s-themed party.

The Bowood Court & Mews Care Home resident became the oldest person in the UK following the death of 112-year-old Gwen Payne last June.

Hilda spent more than 50 years of her life retired after working as a dress maker at factory in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

Paying tribute, Jackie Hayden, care assistant at the care home, said: "Hilda changed everyone’s life within the home.

"I don’t feel that she truly knew how much she was loved, although we made sure we told her every day.

“After she lost her speech Hilda would play us up by pulling faces at her dinners, I used to say ‘do you not like it?’ and again she would pull a face, she never pulled faces at the puddings mind.

“I used to ask her if I was her favourite carer and she would smile and nod.

"Then I would hear another carer ask her the same and she would respond in the same way.

"I would walk in and say that I thought it was me, she would just wink at grin at me. She was always making us smile.

“We all loved her and were very proud of her.

"I feel privileged to have known Hilda and had the opportunity to have cared for her. She will never be forgotten.”

Born Hilda Heath Hilda was one of six siblings who began work at 16 and retired at the age of 60.

At age 29 in 1937, Hilda married her love, Arthur and together they had one son, Barry and seven grand and great grandchildren who were proud to call Hilda ‘grandma’.

She spent four years at the care home and her room was decorated with pieces of Cornish artwork because of her love for Cornwall as a youngster.

Dawn Leaver, Bowood Court & Mews manager, added: “We have loved being part of Hilda’s long life.

"I will never forget the honour of creating some wonderful birthday celebrations for her and I’ll remember her with a glass of sherry – her favourite tipple."

Speaking of her longevity on her previous birthday, Hilda said: "When you get to my age, it’s just a number isn’t it?

“I’ve had a lovely day and seen lots of old photos, my memory isn’t quite what it was, but I don’t do too bad!

“I’m not one for fuss, but it is nice from time to time."

The oldest person in the UK now is believed to be 111-year-old Bob Weighton who was born in Hull on March 29, 1908.