A St George’s senior celebrated her 107th birthday yesterday surrounded by friends and family.

Leona Thompson credited God for her long life, saying: “You don’t see him, but he’s there. He is always with you, and I have peace of mind.

“Every day when I open my eyes I thank God. He’s always there. He has to be. I mean, who would have thought that I would be 107? I can’t believe it.”

She said she was thrilled by the love shown to her on her birthday, noting: “Everybody is so happy and it is so nice that everyone is here.”

Mrs Thompson worked for the Stallard family for more than 50 years and was active in St Peter’s Church in St George’s, where she gave tours for many years.

Lynette Minors, a family member, said Mrs Thompson started every day with prayer and, despite her advanced age, remained active.

“She would always bake several times a week,” Ms Minors said. “She was still baking at 100 until a doctor told her she had to stop.

“Her spirit is always jolly. She is always saying that she was never mad at anyone. She never had a hateful feeling about anyone.”

Asked what advice she could give to the rest of the island, Mrs Thompson said: “Just be nice and kind to each other.

“You never know how you are going to wake up in the morning.”