Noreen, 109, is one of oldest people in UK

Relatives of Miss Lloyd, who still lives in her own home in Llangynog, near Oswestry, discovered the fact while they were doing some research ahead of the great great aunt's birthday celebrations today.

Her niece Susan Gaisford-St Lawrence said her aunt may celebrate by having a glass of champagne – but she actually prefers whisky.

Mrs Gaisford-St Lawrence said Miss Lloyd, who had a twin sister Iris, had had a 'very colourful' life.

Miss Lloyd was born near Mold in North Wales and lived there with her sister, her mother and a governess.

Her father died when she was only 12 and she developed a keen interest in farming.

She stopped farming to join the Wrens during the Second World War and afterwards bought a farm in Newbury in Berkshire where she began breeding Dexter cattle.

Miss Lloyd, who never married, worked well into her 60s before retiring to the Shropshire area.

Mrs Gaisford-St Lawrence said: "She is quite a remarkable woman and has done all sorts.

"She was a leading farmer and well known for breeding Dexter cows. She joined the Wrens and she is still going strong at the age of 109.

"In fact I did a bit of research and found she is the second oldest woman in Wales. There is a lady in South Wales who is three months older. I think she was quite pleased to hear she was among the oldest in Wales.

"She still lives at home and is supported by her two carers.

"We have worked out she had 15 great-great nephews and nieces and goodness knows how many other relatives.

"She still keeps well although at the age of 109 she is obviously taking things a little bit easier now."

A birthday celebratory lunch was due to be held today.

She said: "I think she is looking forward to it. We will be joined by my sister and brother and her two carers.

"We might have a little bit of champagne to celebrate the occasion but my aunt actually prefers whisky."

She added: "She has a little drop of whisky each night. She says it is very good for you."

In 1903, the year she was born, Orville Wright made the first ever successful petrol engine flight and the first ever Tour de France was held, won by Maurice Garin.

The first teddy bear was introduced in the United States and the first ever stock vehicle race was held at the Milwaukee Mile.

Miss Lloyd has lived through two world wars and seen the introduction of both the television and the internet and sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

She was one of 75,000 people belonging to the Wrens – the Women's Royal Naval Service – in 1944 at the height of World War Two.