Elizabeth Crawford, known as 'Bet' and sister Hilda Willis Two sisters celebrated clocking up 205 years between them with a birthday party at a care home in Kennington.

Elizabeth 'Bet' Crawford turned 103 on March 11 and had a joint birthday party with her younger sister, Hilda Willis, who will be 102 next Tuesday (March 29).

Mrs Crawford and Mrs Willis, born in Sandford-on-Thames, come from a family of 16 children. They live at the Mon Choisy elderly people's home in Kennington Road, Kennington. Mrs Crawford has lived there for eight years.

Her husband and daughter died some years ago but she has a son-in-law, Bill Hack, 78, from Barns Road, Cowley, and grandchildren who visit her.

Nieces Eileen Naish, 70, from Kennington, and twins Wynn Panton and Pat Watkins, from Headington, both 81, were also at the party. Mrs Willis has spent 10 years at the Mon Choisy and lived in Kennington and Oxford before moving to the home. She was married but did not have any children.

The couple celebrated their birthdays with a cake and party for staff, friends and relatives.

With a little help from their friends, the sisters managed to blow out the candles -- although the birthday cake did not have enough room for all 205.

Mr Hack said: "They were both in high spirits and enjoyed themselves, talking and meeting people. It was a wonderful occasion. They are marvellous for their age."

The manager and owner of the home, Ellen Audit, said: "They are both a marvellous couple and astonishing for their ages.

"Bet still reads the newspapers and keeps up with world events. Bet can't believe she is 103. Hilda is a very sweet lady but she's a little frail now."