LILY Hancock (pictured), whose life spans three centuries and two world wars, celebrated her 104th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

She was born in the last year of the 19th century, and as a teenage bride waved goodbye to her husband as he went off to the First World War. Mrs Hancock celebrated her long life with a party at Caerleon House nursing home, where she now lives.

"She was born in Staffordshire but came to Newport as a small girl," said her son, Charles Hancock, of Crescent Road.

"I believe he was a shoemaker and clog-maker who came down following the steelworks."

Mrs Hancock was only about 15 when she met her future husband, Charlie, and they married when she was 16 and he was 17.

"He went away to the First World War and was wounded," said her son. "My mother worked in the munitions factory, making shells."

The couple were married for more than 75 years. Mr Hancock, who worked as a steelworker, died at the age of 94.

Mother-of-two Mrs Hancock has four grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.

She has lived in the nursing home on Goldcroft Common for a year. "We are very pleased with the care she receives there," added her son.