ONE of the last survivors of the Victorian era was celebrating her 105th birthday in York today.

Ida Gault, of Birchlands Nursing Home, Haxby, was born in Acomb in 1899 and has lived in York all her life.

She said: "I was born opposite Acomb Green.

"My mother warned the doctor not to go to church that day - and I was born as the church bells were being rung."

Today, she was enjoying a celebration dinner with her family.

Ida worked as a housekeeper and married George Gault, who worked for York Corporation, a forerunner of City of York Council.

The couple never had any children.

She said: "I lost my husband and I was very sorry, because we were very happy together.

"He used to get wet through working on the roads. He had a lot of chest problems and eventually died."

But as for the secret of a long life, Ida has no answers.

She said: "I can't tell you the secret. I have looked after myself, I've fed myself well. I have had a happy life. I am still enjoying it."

Updated: 10:35 Friday, March 05, 2004