Italy’s Emma Morano, thought to be the world’s oldest person and the last to be born in the 19th century, celebrated her 117th birthday on Tuesday.

Friends, neighbours and her doctor gathered in her small apartment on the shores of Lake Maggiore, to mark the latest milestone, presenting her with a large birthday cake

Ms Morano, the oldest of eight siblings, all of whom she has outlived, was born on the 29th of November 1899 in the Piedmont region of Italy.

The centenarian, who credits her longevity to her genetics and diet which includes eating three eggs every day, has become something of a celebrity and her long life will be marked by a party and concert organised by her hometown Verbania.

She is still a few years off the record holder, France’s Jeanne Calment who died in 1997 aged 122.

Happy Birthday to Emma Morano, celebrating her 117th birthday today. Morano is the last known person alive who was born in the 19th century. pic.twitter.com/oxNSB0eVEA— AFP news agency (@AFP) November 29, 2016