Hip Lily's a record-breaker

A 101-year-old Lichfield woman has been officially recognised as the oldest person in the world to have a total hip replacement.

Lily Wauters was aged 101 and 196 days when her right hip, which had worn away, was replaced at Sutton Coldfield's Good Hope Hospital.

And Mrs Wauters, who celebrates her 102nd birthday next month, is now back at home and once again living her life to the full.

Describing her treatment as wonderful, Mrs Wauters has now been awarded a certificate confirming her record-breaking status. "It is a real honour to be in the Guinness World Records," said Mrs Wauters, who has lived in the city for the last 23 years."The operation was very good, and the staff at the hospital were also very good.

"I was in the hospital for a month, but am back home now. And I can do anything I want to."

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Brian Banerjee, who carried out the procedure, said: "We were able to help Lily as her health and general fitness belied her age."

Mrs Wauters beats the previous record by 186 days.