A GREAT-grandmother who lived independently until just last year has celebrated her 103rd birthday near Ringwood.

Selena Bowler was treated to a surprise party and a visit from family at the Summer Hill Residential Home in Glenwood Road, West Moors.

The former factory girl - who has lived through two world wars - was born in Streatham in 1912.

Mrs Bowler stayed with her parents in London when the First World War broke out, and would go on to work in a gas factory during the second conflict between 1939 and 1945.

She also worked for many years for jewellers James Walker.

And even after reaching her latest milestone, Mrs Bowler still has plenty of surprises left for her loved ones.

Granddaughter Katherine Poore, who lives in Winchester, said: "At 17 she'd work in pubs and clubs as a singer.

"I had no idea that she'd done that until last week - she's lived such an interesting life."

Mrs Bowler met future husband Geoff when she was 26, and became a mother to a daughter at the age of 33.

She moved to Dorset in 1974 and lived in Coppice Avenue in Ferndown, remaining there until September 2014.

Katherine said: "She lived entirely independently until last year, when she decided to move into Summer Hill.

"Even here, she doesn't require any help whatsoever and is entirely capable of taking care of herself. She's very popular and has a fantastic sense of humour.

"She's absolutely fab and she had a lovely day, which is wonderful."