A GLAMOUR model from the fifties still has the poise and elegance of her former career today as a 102-year-old.

As Joan Stafford walked elegantly, and stylishly, into the communal room at Goodrich Court in Ross she was greeted with an affectionate round of applause from fellow residents to celebrate her birthday.

Joan was born in America in 1924 and relocated to Lancashire, when she was aged just two.

Joan finished her education at the age of 14 and went to work in the local munitions factory during the war. This was followed by a period of employment at the local cotton mills.

Joan married her husband Tom in 1945 and settled in Rochdale. However, she was not satisfied with her line of employment and decided to train to be a model.

And with her looks, it wasn’t long before she became highly sort after by the people behind the Eastex brand.

Eastex was a classic British fashion brand, acquired by London manufacturer Ellis and Goldstein in 1946 and was known during the 1950s for its feminine day dresses and the company promoted the brand for its classic, high-quality ranges.

The 1950s styles featured fitted bodices, flared midi skirts, and soft floral prints. Tailored separates included wool-blend pencil skirts along with heavy woollen coats showcasing rich colours, textured fabrics, and faux fur collars, all of which Joan modelled during her 10-year modelling career.

Joan quipped that she hadn’t made the front page of Vogue or anything like that, but had thoroughly enjoyed her career and added that her recipe for a long life was attending yoga classes on a daily basis and indulging in a glass of pinot grigio as well as having a kind and loving husband.

Joan moved to Ross in 1999 so that she could be closer to her sister and was one of the first residents of Goodrich Court.