MARTHA Britscho was born in Prussia 100 years ago and celebrated her birthday in Verwood with her Anglo-German family.

She upped sticks and moved to Britain aged 80, though she hardly speaks any English.

But she has taught Claudia, her little great-granddaughter, German so she can have a conversation across the generation gap.

Frau Britscho left Prussia for Dsseldorf in her early 20s where she married and had two children before World War II broke out.

Her daughter Hanni Howick said: "Dsseldorf was very badly bombed. She was afraid for our safety and we went to her sister in southern Germany.

"In 1945 the war was over and she went back home, leaving us there.

"It was a very traumatic time for her - the Russians went on the rampage and she used to lock herself in the loft."

The family was reunited as things settled down but times were hard.

"She used to queue up for bread but often by the time she got there they were sold out," said Hanni.

"But she had a big garden and grew vegetables and fruit and kept chickens.

"She was a marvellous lady, self-sufficient.

"Much was on ration like it was for people here.

"We managed and we came through it - maybe that's why she is so healthy."

Hanni married Brit Bob Howick - whose two brothers also married German girls - and moved to Britain where her mother, by now widowed, joined them 20 years ago.

"It was a little bit strange at first and she still can't speak much English," said Hanni.

Martha has two great-grandsons as well as Claudia.

Hanni and Bob, Claudia's mum Karen, Claudia and Martha all live at Burn Close - four generations under one roof. And Martha's son made the trip from Germany for the big day.

Mayor Mike Daymond and his wife Angela, who visited, said what an able and alert lady Martha was. Claudia translated.

Hanni said: "She's enjoyed her life - she certainly enjoyed her birthday."

*Happy Birthday, Martha.

First published: October 25