A woman for whom doctors gave up hope after a horrific road accident 18 years ago is 107 today.

Edith Pratt is a "living miracle" according to daughter Betty Walkden who says her mum stunned doctors and family when she survived being hit by a car and thrown under the wheels of a lorry at the age of 89.

"Most people that age wouldn't have stood a chance but she was a fighter. She was in hospital for three months. The doctors had given up hope on her but she wouldn't give in," said Betty, 74, also of Calverley.

Edith's legs were crushed in the accident on the church corner at Calverley and surgeons had to fit steel rods in them.

But she was determined to walk again and with help from family and friends soon got back on her feet.

"She's incredible. Despite the accident and her age, physically she's probably fitter than me," added Betty who has been organising a party for friends and family with staff at St Luke's Nursing Home in the village.

Nursing home sister Karen Coates said: "We call her Gran because we're very fond of her. She's the oldest resident we've ever had here. She loves having a bit of a natter and a good chuckle."

The Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Neil Tagget will be among Edith's birthday visitors today as well as her two grandaughters, and two great-grandchildren Jake and Grace Hall.

Born in Calverley in 1896, Edith is among the country's oldest women. The title's held by 111-year-old Gladys Hawley of Derbyshire.

Edith went to Calverley Church School until she was 14 and left to get work as a weaver at nearby Lidgate Mill where she stayed until she and husband Charles had Betty.

She gave up work to care for her family and enjoyed being in the thick of community life.

She was a member of many local groups including the Conservative Club, Darby and Joan, WRVS and Women's Institute.