GERTRUDE Critchley is the top contender for the Guardian's oldest reader.

At a fabulous105 years young tomorrow, Friday, Gertrude still enjoys a regular read of the paper.

The birthday girl, who now lives in St Helens, grew up in Warrington, living in the West Street area of the town.

On leaving school she worked for Monks Building Services in Woolston and then moved on to Sankey Vicarage where she did religious services.

At the age of 25 she married husband John and went into farming at Bold Heath in St Helens, where she is now still living.

The great-great-grandmother has masses of family in Warrington who will be helping her celebrate the landmark birthday at the Bull and Dog pub.