AN INCREDIBLE Port Glasgow resident has celebrated reaching the grand old age of 103. 

Maimie Rankin, who lives in Newark Care Home, marked the amazing milestone with a day of fun with her friends and family. 

Staff brought in balloons, banners, and flowers, and Maimie was the centre of attention on her very special birthday 

Her great niece Rhona Fairlie, 40, said the secrets to Maimie's long life are staying single and living a healthy life. 

Rhona added: "She never married, never had children, never drank alcohol, and never smoked. 

"She was always so devoted to the church and to her faith and there are still people who ask for her through my mum Lesley."

Maimie was born in the family home on Drumoyne Road in Govan on June 27, 1921, and had an older brother, Thomas. 

When she was 18, she got a job at the Daily Express newspaper as a shorthand typist and three years later, she joined the Women's Air Force and was based at Battery Park.

(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
Her secretarial skills helped her secure a job as leading aircraftwoman at the site.

During her time with the force between 1942 and 1945, Maimie was stationed at Leuchars in Fife and in the Highland town of Nairn.

When she was 24, she returned to work at the newspaper and stayed there until she was 60. 

Maimie always enjoyed travelling and loved her visits to Norway, Germany, and Austria in the 1960s.

She was a devoted member of McGregor Memorial Church in Govan before its demolition in 1994, and later joined the congregation at Tron Church in Glasgow. 

Maimie moved into Newark Care Home in 2019, following a short stay at a residential home in Hillington.

Staff are sure that Maimie is their oldest ever resident, and say another secret to her longevity is her love for her porridge every morning. 

(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
They describe Maimie as 'very feisty and very loving' and say she loves a cuddle. 

Rhona says her grandad Thomas - Maimie's brother - always made sure his wee sister was well looked after before he sadly passed away in 2004. 

Rhona brought her son Tommy, six, who is named after Thomas, to celebrate with his great great auntie on her special day. 

She added: "She was blessed with a wonderful brother who would make sure she never missed a celebration with his family. 

"Maimie still talks about him. 

"She's a fantastic lady."