A WOMAN who lived through what was known as the Spanish flu has celebrated her 104th birthday in a Ludlow care home.

Myfanwy Hewitt was born on May 30, 1916.

At the time, the First World War still had more than two years to run.

Then in the summer and autumn of 1918, a flu pandemic swept across the globe killing more than 50 million people – many more than died in both the first and second world wars.

An unusual feature of the illness was that it took a greater toll on younger people unlike the present outbreak that is much more dangerous for the elderly.

The reason for this is not clear although one possibility is that older people had some immunity from an earlier outbreak in the 1890s.

As an infant Ms Hewitt would have known nothing about this. But she survived to live a long life and is described as being very well.

Ms Hewitt has been a resident at Hagley Place in Ludlow for many years.

To help celebrate her birthday there was a garden party in the grounds of the home.

Due to the Covid-19 regulations and the need to safeguard residents, people from outside were not able to visit but the staff were on hand to help to mark a special birthday.