TENBURY has had its fair share of people reaching a great age.

However, the pressures continue to grow on adult social care as a result of the ageing population

But it is doubtful if anyone will match Grace Jones anytime soon.

The 112-year-old, who is now the oldest person in the country, is backing a celebration of 70-years of adult social care by Worcestershire County Council.

Grace Jones, who turned 112 on September 16, signed her name inside a special birthday card to mark the 70th birthday of adult social care.

It follows the card being signed by councillors from all political parties at Worcestershire County Council following a meeting of Full Council.

Mrs Jones, who lives in Broadway, and is known as ‘Amazing Grace’ to all her friends, said she felt much younger than her years.

“I’ve had such a lovely birthday and I certainly don’t feel 112, I feel more like 65 so I’m more than happy to sign this card,” she said.

“We want as many people as possible to support our adult social care at 70 celebrations so it’s great that Grace has signed the card,” said Adrian Hardman, deputy leader of Worcestershire County Council and the cabinet member responsible for adult social care.

“As a country we celebrated the 70th birthday of the NHS and we believe that adult social care and the people who dedicate their lives to caring for people also deserve the same amount of recognition.”

Grace was presented with a bouquet of flowers by the County Council’s Chairman Brandon Clayton and his wife Anita at the special occasion which was organised by Grace’s daughter Deirdre McCarthy.

Adult Social Care was launched when The National Assistance Act was passed in 1948 and has allowed social workers and social care assistants to help many thousands of people in Worcestershire to lead independent, dignified lives.

But although good news that more people are living very long lives there is a cost.

Ken Pollock, who represents Tenbury on Worcestershire County Council where he holds an economic development portfolio has said that the ageing population and increasing demand for adult social care puts a major strain on Council budgets.

Statistics show that women can now expect on average to live until well into their 80’s and men a few years less.

But this does not mean that people will remain active and well until they die and the need for care continues to grow.