A FORMER nurse had double the reason to celebrate on New Year’s Eve as she turned 104 the day before.

Born on December 30, 1914, Grace Florence Martin celebrated her big day with a family party at Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home, which she has called home since November 2017.

When asked for her secret to a long life, Mrs Martin said: “I’ve always had a positive outlook on life and kept myself busy.”

Originally from Canada, she moved to the UK when she was 11 and went on to forge a career as a nurse.

Describing what it was like being a nurse during the Second World War, the grandmother-of-two and great-grandmother-of-one said: “It was such hard work but I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’ve always loved to care for people.”

Mrs Martin’s daughter, Jennifer said: “My mother has always cared for people and I have countless wonderful memories. She has always been there for me and it was so wonderful to be with her celebrating. We are all so proud of her. She was living independently until late 2017, she really is remarkable.”

Care home manager Sara-Jayne Harvey said: “She is such a big part of the home and we are over the moon to have celebrated such a milestone.”