A FORMER midwife is living testament to the adage you are only as old as you feel.

And at 96, Catherine Ford is still looking after other residents in town even though many are younger than her.

Mrs Ford, from Stanway, was raised to be caring and compassionate and it is an ethos she has carried throughout her life.

Mrs Ford, who was born in Nottingham, started off her career as a nurse caring for babies.

She left home aged 16 and moved to London to study at The Salvation Army Mother’s Hospital.

It was here she undertook training to become a midwife.

Following in her parents’ footsteps, Mrs Ford soon entered into a nine-month training programme at the Salvation Army College London.

She met her husband Eric at the college and they qualified together as full-time Salvation Army ministers in 1942.

Mrs Ford said: “It was an interesting life in the Salvation Army, it is important to care for those who are needy, people who want help.”

After her husband died 12 years ago, Mrs Ford moved to New Farm Lodge, which is run by Colne Housing.

She describes New Farm as a “little community”.

Every day from 2pm to 6pm, Mrs Ford and other residents gather in the lounge together.

“Colne has been good to us”, she said.

“Everyone is invited whatever we do.

“Nobody in this place doesn’t know what’s going on. We’re safe here.”

At 96, Mrs Ford still continues to practise the values from her Salvation Army past and says age does not define her.

She only recently stopped attending the mother and toddler group she set up 20 years ago.

She also “looks after the oldies” and goes to the Salvation Army Friendship Club every Wednesday.

Mrs Ford says her door is always open for other residents and, as she reflects on her long and purposeful life, she said tolerance is key.

She said: “Everybody is not like you.

“It is according to how you treat people which will shape how they open up to you.”

Everyone around her is inspired by Mrs Ford’s compassionate nature and persistent commitment to look out for others.

She has just celebrated her 96th birthday with a party with food and music.

Colne tenancy sustainment officer Debi McAndrew said: “Mrs Ford is hugely appreciated by Colne staff and other residents at New Farm.

“At 96, her positivity and motivation for life is uplifting.”