FROM World War's, to Australia to the glittering lights of Blackpool, Somerset's oldest resident has seen it all.

Daisy Bastin is 108 and amazingly still lives independently in her Glastonbury home with help from carers four times a day.

She was recently admitted to Musgrove Park Hospital after suffering from balance issues but is soon to be discharged with a clean bill of health, and is preparing to celebrate her 109th birthday in May.

Daisy said:"I am very lucky in my life to have had such loyal friends and to still be in good health.

"One of my best friends, Iris used to be my carer and calls in to see me sometimes, it is lovely.

"I also have two wonderful friends who live nearby who come and keep my garden in order, they do a lovely job."

Daisy was born on May 3rd 1908 in Lympstone, Devon and was one of seven children.

She met her husband, Alf, in 1933 and they were happily married for 50 years.

"I always loved to go dancing with my husband and have fond memories of a trip up to Blackpool we would take every year with some friends to dance.

"I'd say I am a pretty good dancer, it's something I loved to do back in the day."

The centenarian's father, husband and son have all served in the armed forces and Daisy said she has clear memories of both the first and second world war.

"My father and my husband fought in the great wars and both of them were badly injured but they both survived.

"I didn't see my father for a while after he had gone missing and we thought he was dead.

"I remember my mother was so relieved when he came home.

"My husband was injured in the second world war quite badly and I helped care for him every day when he got back.

"The war was a very hard time for everyone."

Daisy's son, Michael was also in the navy and served over seas but sadly died 13 years ago.

She said she has been very fortunate to have had such a long life and is set to celebrate her 109th birthday in May this year.

"The secret I think to a long life is to just be happy and enjoy your time with friends.

"My fondest memory is when I travelled to Australia to see my sister for two weeks but I ended up staying for nine.

"It is such a beautiful country and I loved seeing all the animals and spending time with my sister.

"I was so sad to come home.

"I have great support from my friends and carers who come into my home and they have really helped me live a long and happy life.

"I am very grateful for all the help I have received over the years."

Julie Vale, Older Persons Nurse Practitioner at Musgrove Park Hospital said: "Daisy had a couple of falls four days before she came to Musgrove.

"She has been treated in our older person's unit by doctors, physiotherapists and other medical staff.

"She is in very good health for her age and has no real medical issues, just a few issues with her balance.

"I have worked in the care of older people for around 30 years and Daisy is the oldest person I have ever cared for, she is in great health considering her age and still remains very independent."