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One of Caerphilly County Borough’s oldest residents has passed away at the age of 105.

Lillian Rose Howitt, from Cefn Fforest, was born on November 20, 1918 – nine days after the end of the first world war.

She was born prematurely at just 24 weeks, weighing 1.5lbs (680g). Ms Howitt was so small she was fed with a fountain pen.

Great-great-grandmother Mrs Howitt passed away on Thursday February 15, surrounded by family.

In a Facebook post, Granddaughter Stephanie Davies paid tribute to the “queen of our family”, and said: “105 years young and always will be.

“She melted everyone’s heart she met with her sassy reply and matter of fact attitude. We love you always and forever our queen.”

During World War II, Mrs Howitt was in Belgium, attending to Army, Navy and Air Force officers – a role she described as being a “jack of all trades”.

It was in Belgium she met her late husband, Bob Howitt. The pair got married in 1945 and were married for 63 years.

Mrs Howitt previously said her longevity was predicted by a fortune teller she visited when she was young.