Leona Thompson celebrated her 106th birthday yesterday surrounded by friends and family at the Dorothy Crane Nursing Home.

The senior said she was surprised by the number of people to attend, saying: “This is something. I cannot get over it.”

Mrs Thompson, who worked for the Stallard family for more than 50 years and spent many years showing visitors around St Peter’s Church in St George’s, credited God for her longevity.

“Talk to Him. I talk to Him every day,” she said. “I feel wonderful. I don’t feel sick. I just feel happy.”

She recalled an incident when she narrowly escaped a fire in her kitchen.

“My husband was away — he has passed — and we had this big storm,” she said.

“When I went into the kitchen, there was a flash of lightning and there was a wall of fire, but it never touched me. It just rolled past me. God saved my life.”

Along with dozens of friends and family members bearing flowers and cards, Mrs Thompson was greeted by Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, and Renée Ming, the area MP.

Mr Roban, who presented Mrs Thompson with a bouquet, congratulated her for her longevity and continued health.

“Mrs Thompson was born in 1917, her life has spanned an incredible journey, not just for herself but for this country,” he said.

“It is great to have this tribute to her, and hats off to her, her family and the staff and personnel of Dorothy Crane Nursing Home.”