WILMSLOW’S oldest resident has died aged 103.

Freda Chambers, who had lived at the Hawthorns Nursing Home for five years, died at Congleton War Memorial Hospital on September 27 where she had been admitted days earlier.

Her younger brother Eric, 98, a retired Minister of Morley Green United Reformed Church, paid tribute to his beloved sister at her funeral at Macclesfield Crematorium on Monday followed by a wake at the Bridge Hotel in Prestbury.

Clare Williams, who works at the Hawthorns and attended the service, said: "He did a lovely service. He did the readings, talked about her and we sang one of her favourite songs.

"Eric said Freda had lived a solitary life, but of her choosing. She was happy with her own company."

Freda was born on December 7, 1903 in Earlstown, Newton-le-Willows, in Merseyside and was the oldest of six children.

Her father died in the First World War when she was just 14.

In 1930 she moved to Wilmslow with the rest of her family when one of her brothers got a job in the area.

Freda spent her working life at ladies outfitters, Mossops and Hunts, on Grove Street where she was a buyer for the hosiery department until she retired in 1968 aged 65.

Eric said: "She also went to church in Heald Green and was very active in the ladies fellowship.

"She was a big reader and enjoyed gardening and holidays abroad to France, Belgium and Switzerland with her brothers."

Eric recalled Freda’s first - and last - experience flying to Switzerland with him. He said it had scared her and she refused to fly again.

Later in life Freda turned to watching TV and became a big Manchester United fan, although she never saw a live game.

Clare added: "She was a massive fan and always watched them on telly."

But despite being active and sociable, Freda remained single throughout her life.

Eric said: "When she was young she had boyfriends, but she never wanted to get married as she was happy living at home with her mum and sister."

Freda shared a bungalow with her younger sister in Handforth until she was 99 when she moved to the Hawthorns Nursing Home, where staff fondly remember her and said she was always impeccably turned out.

Just last year, Freda put her youthful complexion and longevity down to the help of a good moisturiser, not wearing much make-up and having a worry free life.

Eric added: "She had marvellous health. She never smoked and was more or less tee-total. She was quite remarkable