Louisa West, Brighton and Hove's oldest resident, has died aged 106.

Her life spanned three centuries. She was born on August 16, 1898, two and a half years before the death of Queen Victoria.

She died on Friday at the Sycamore Nursing Home, in Bevendean Road, Brighton, where she was popular with residents and staff.

Mrs West had moved into the nursing home three years ago after caring for herself at her home in Milner Road, Brighton, with the help of her family.

She lived all her life in the Elm Grove area of Brighton.

She never smoked, only had the occasional glass of alcohol and ate healthily.

She was born in Ladysmith Road, where her parents ran a general store from the front room. The family later moved to Riley Road.

During the First World War she worked in a munitions factory.

She married Frederick West in 1926 and was widowed 41 years later.

The couple moved to Milner Road, where she brought up her family of two daughters and a son. All are now in their 60s and 70s.

She had five granddaughters, five great-granddaughters and five great-grandsons.

Mrs West kept the family home in Milner Road going with a coal fire and loved to spend time in her garden. She also loved to watch snooker on TV and took an interest in the snooker personalities.

She was a regular communicant at St Alban's Church, Coombe Road.

The Reverend George Butterworth, vicar of Saltdean and former vicar of St Alban's, said: "She was a remarkable lady who was small in stature and big in heart.

"It is amazing to think her life has spanned three centuries and she was born while Queen Victoria was on the throne.

"I once asked about her secret to longevity and she replied 'Never live in the past'. She lived to a strict regime and was very self-sufficient."

Mrs West was honoured as Brighton and Hove's oldest citizen on her 105th birthday last year, when she received a bouquet from the then mayor, Jeane Lepper.

Mrs West's funeral will take place at St Alban's Church on Monday at 2pm.

The service will be conducted by Mr Butterworth and will be followed by a private cremation.