THE UK's oldest person, Redditch resident Hilda Clulow, has died age 111.

Born Hilda Heath, on Sunday, March 15 1908 in Selby Park, Hilda was one of six siblings who worked as a dress maker all her life at Balsall Heath Factory.

Starting there at 16 and finishing at aged 60 Hilda enjoyed a retirement of over 50 years.

Hilda passed away peacefully in the company of her family and friends at Bowood Court & Mews on Christmas Eve, 2019.

Redditch Advertiser:

Jackie Hayden, from the car 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’d 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.”

Redditch Advertiser:

“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.”

At age 29, 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’.

Redditch Advertiser:

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."