A WOMAN believed to be East Lothian’s oldest resident has celebrated her 106th birthday.

Ella Vlandy celebrated the big day on February 6 with a lunch in The Heather Room of The Open Arms Hotel in Dirleton with 10 of her family and friends.

Ella, who was born in Edinburgh in 1914, still lives in her own house in North Berwick.

She has never been married and has no children.

One of Ella’s main occupations during her working life was as a PE teacher at a school in Dundee.

She was a very sporty person, playing tennis for Scotland and taking part in the North Berwick tennis tournament in her youth.

She has attended Wimbledon on a number of occasions.

Ella was also a keen hockey player and golfer, playing at North Berwick and Gullane golf clubs.

Nowadays, Ella has swapped sport for cards and plays solitaire and the occasional game of bridge.

She is also interested in the arts and classical music, attending concerts such as the annual Lammermuir Festival in East Lothian.

While at her birthday lunch this month, Ella was given a birthday card from the Queen by the county’s Lord Lieutenant Michael Williams.

He had also presented her with a telegram when she turned 100 years old six years earlier.

Mr Williams said: “It was a wonderful opportunity for me and a great privilege to be allowed to present the card to her – she was very pleased to get it.

“Her sight is not good and slowing up a little bit but she is absolutely all there; she’s a terrific, amazing lady.

“She is a great character.

“I even said to her: ‘I’ll see you next year!’”

Chris Hansen, owner of The Open Arms, said: “We were absolutely delighted and privileged to hold such a special birthday lunch at The Open Arms Hotel.”

Liam Crawford, The Open Arms manager, added: “It was lovely and a really nice day.

“It was a really great moment to host a birthday party for a 106-year-old. We couldn’t believe what great shape she was in for 106, it’s quite phenomenal.

“We had all the kitchen and waiting staff talking about how much of a privilege it was to be serving her on such a special occasion.

“Hopefully we get the opportunity to welcome her back to The Open Arms next year to celebrate her 107th birthday.”