Three OAP siblings celebrate becoming UK's eldest sisters

Britain's eldest sisters are celebrating after reaching the staggering combined age of – 311.

Sprightly Hilda Greening, who has just turned 108, Jean Underwood, 105, and Mary Hunt, 98, put their longevity down to good genes and hard work 

The trio - known as the 'Duracell Sisters' because of their remarkable energy - have 12 children, 17 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren between them.

Born to Victorian parents in the early 1900s, before the common use of electric light or gas cookers, they have seen off 19 Prime Ministers, five Monarchs and two World Wars.

Oldest sister Hilda's daughter Elizabeth Sallis, 75 - herself a great-grandmother-of-eight - said they were incredible.

She said: ''Their batteries have not run out yet, they are alright in their minds but it is their bodies now.

''They grew up in Winchcombe and worked as house maids for years. 

They have all had very interesting lives.
''Mum is in remarkably good health for 108, she doesn't take any medication apart from paracetamol for her arthritis.

''Her sister, Auntie Jean, is sadly in bed at a nursing home so she doesn't get to see her very often.

''But Auntie Mary, who is 98, comes up every Monday to see mum each week. We meet up every Tuesday afternoon and that keeps her ticking over.''

The sisters in the 1920s

Hilda said she was not sure what the secret to her long life was and instead just "lived from day to day".

Hilda celebrated her 108th birthday at The Grange Nursing Home in Tewkesbury, Glos., on October 18 and is due to have a party to celebrate the momentous occasion today (Sat 20/10).

She has so far received 33 cards from friends and family, with more on the way, as well as a bunches of flowers, a home made cake and a new card from the Queen - her 8th.

Elizabeth added: ''She picked up and had a lovely birthday. She was a bit worried in case somebody took her card from the Queen, she loves getting those cards."

Hilda was born Hilda Wasley in Winchcombe, Glos., in 1904 and grew up with her two younger sisters. 

All three girls left school in their early teens to join the workhouse.

She was married to her childhood sweetheart Cyril Greening in 1931 and spent 45 years with him before he died aged 84.

The couple had three sons, George, 78, Len, 77 and Richard, 73 and two daughters, Elizabeth, 75 and Mary, 68.

Hilda is now a grandmother-of-12, a great-grandmother-of-26 and a great-great-grandmother-of-17.

Jean married husband Arthur Underwood in 1940. The couple worked at stately homes, with Arthur as a groom and Jean as a cleaner.

They had two daughters together.

Jean now lives in a residential home in Charmouth, Dorset, after suffering a stroke, but her health is so poor that she can barely talk.

Mary now lives in Twyning, Glos, and had five children with husband William Hunt.

 Elizabeth added: ''We have a really big family and we try to stay together as much as we can.

''Christmas for us is a massive headache, but it is truly lovely to be a part of.''

Yahoo Lifestyle

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