WHEN Irene Edrop was born, the British expedition to the Antarctic led by Sir Ernest Shackleton discovered the South Magnet Pole, and Orville and Wilbur Wright were issued with the first pilots’ licences.

Born in 1909, Irene, who has lived for most of her life in North Baddesley, celebrated her 105th birthday in style at Romsey’s Cedar Lawn nursing home with family and friends.

Irene moved into Cedar Lawn in March 2012 from Fleming Avenue in North Baddesley, where she had a flat.

Prior to that, twice-married Irene had a bungalow in Castle Lane in the village.

Her first husband, Robert Russell, died when he was 68 and her second husband of 16 years, George Edrop, died in 1996.

Some friends who Irene knew in Fleming Avenue turned up to wish her well on her birthday, and she had congratulatory cards from the Queen and Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.

Cedar Lawn’s deputy matron Deepa Malcolm said: “Our chef made some cupcakes for a small party that was held on her birthday.

Her friends from North Baddesley came to wish her well and she had some wine.

Emotional “She loves her food. Irene was very emotional but she had a lovely birthday and she seemed to enjoy it.

“You never hear Irene say a cross word and she’s always smiling.”

Irene’s daughter Edna Warner visited her on the big day and a small party for the family was held at Cedar Lawn.

A large cake was baked for the occasion and decorated with the number 105.