A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY pensioner nicknamed "Little Miss Sunshine" is beaming after celebrating an astonishing 103rd birthday.

Elsie Finnigan grew up in east London and worked as a silver service waitress for many years at the famous Lyon’s Tea Rooms.

That was where she earned the title "Little Miss Sunshine" for cheering up the entire team with her gleaming smile and positive mental attitude.

She now lives at Hatfield Peverel Care Home where she celebrated her landmark birthday with her trademark optimism and a tea party.

It came complete with her favourite strawberry cream cake, music and plenty of presents.

Elsie, who has been a resident at Hatfield Peverel for two years, said: “I had a wonderful day celebrating my 103rd birthday.

"It was lovely to be surrounded by friends and the cake was gorgeous - though my favourite part had to be the dancing and music.”

Elsie was born in 1919 - the year after the First World War ceasefire.

It was the year the Treaty of Versailles was signed to formally end the war, Edwin Lutyens' Cenotaph in London was unveiled, and the first Remembrance Day was held.

The German naval fleet was scuttled at Scapa Flow and the Football League started up again after the war.

Elsie, is still very much a people person and loves her family.

She was married to late husband Alfred for 53 years, and now enjoys spending time with granddaughter Alison and great-grandchildren Jack and Kelly.

She passed on her love of baking to her family, teaching them how to make incredible pancakes, bread and butter pudding and delicious Yorkshire puddings.

Activity coordinator Tracey Russell and her team planned the party for Elsie, as residents and staff came together for a wonderful day of celebrations. Tracey said: “We had a lovely day celebrating Elsie’s milestone birthday.

"Elsie loves singing, dancing, and chatting, so it was great to see her having such a fantastic time doing all those things.

"Celebrating milestone occasions is so important to us at Hatfield Peverel, it really brings a positive atmosphere to the home and boosts our residents’ spirits.”